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Freelance time management is never one-size-fits-all—because you aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your schedule shifts with your seasons, your energy, your focus, your life. That’s normal. In fact, it’s smart.
Rachel Meltzer
Freelance time management is never one-size-fits-all—because you aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your schedule shifts with your seasons, your energy, your focus, your life. That’s normal. In fact, it’s smart.
I personally change up my schedule anywhere from 1–6 times a year, depending on what I’m working on, what’s going on in my personal life, and how much I can realistically focus or grind.
This blog shares 9 time management “hacks” that I treat like tools in a toolbox. I don’t use all of them all the time—but I use the ones I need, when I need them. You get to do the same. Let’s jump in.
9 Time Management Tools to Help You Create a Schedule You’ll Stick To
1. Find an Accountability Buddy
Accountability helps you show up—especially on low-motivation days. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
An accountability buddy could be:
- A freelancer friend
- A family member or partner
- Someone in our free Accountability Buddies channel
- Folks on Flow Club
- Members in the MeltzerSeltzer co-working channel
- A nearby freelancer you meet up with weekly
Bonus tip: set a recurring time to check in and reflect together.
2. Minimize Distractions
Distractions waste more time than we realize. Try reducing them or assigning them specific time slots.
Some options:
- Use the Opal app to block apps
- Turn your phone off or leave it in another room
- Use a Pomodoro timer and only check messages when it dings
- Go to a café, library, or co-working space—and leave your distractions in the car
- Delete social media from your primary phone and install it on an old phone you leave at home
3. Try Setting Office Hours
Choose specific work windows and promise yourself you won’t work outside them. Office hours can vary each day or stay consistent.
This structure helps with:
- Creating better work/life balance
- Increasing focus during those hours
- Making it easier for others to respect your time
4. Try Time Blocking
Time blocking = scheduling specific blocks of time for focused work.
Example:
10am–12pm → Write Client A’s blog
12–12:30pm → Lunch
1–3pm → Research for Client B
3–4pm → Admin and emails
Use Google Calendar, Notion, or even pen and paper. When the time block ends, move on.
5. Try Intuitive Scheduling
Intuitive scheduling gives you flexibility with structure. You plan what needs to be done, but not when exactly.
Here’s how:
- List tasks with deadlines (e.g., “Blog post due Friday”)
- Each morning, ask: “Which task feels most doable today?”
- Choose based on energy, interest, or flow—just make sure it all gets done in time
Great for neurodivergent brains and cyclical energy patterns.
6. Try the Rule of Three
Three tasks per day. That’s it.
Most of us can’t realistically accomplish more than 2–3 deep work tasks daily. So choose your top three.
Example:
- Write intro for blog post
- Edit client deliverable
- Respond to inbox
Anything beyond that is bonus.
7. Be Flexible
Some days everything flows. Other days, nothing does.
That’s okay.
Let your schedule flex with your season. Pivot when needed. Switch tools if your current one isn’t working. Give yourself space to try, adjust, and re-try.
This is your business. Your rules.
8. Give Yourself an Incentive
Rewards work—even silly ones.
Some ideas:
- Add a gummy bear next to each to-do item on your list (eat one per task)
- Finish your work by noon = go paddle boarding
- Complete the project = dinner out
It’s not childish. It’s effective. Motivation matters.
9. Try This: Make Your Own Time Management Plan
Pick one tool from this list and try it for a week:
- Time block your next week in Google Calendar
- Set 3 daily tasks for your next workweek
- Download the Opal app
- Delete social apps from your phone and install them on an old device
- Choose and commit to your office hours
Small changes compound. Try one, notice what helps, and build from there.
FAQ’s About Time Management for Freelancers
What’s the best time management system for freelancers?
There isn’t one best system—there’s the one that works for you. Try tools like time blocking, intuitive scheduling, and the rule of three. Rotate them based on your season, energy, and brain.
How do I stay consistent with time management?
Set up accountability (like a buddy or co-working space), reward yourself for consistency, and review your schedule weekly. Don’t expect perfection—expect experimentation.
Can I change my schedule if it stops working?
Absolutely. You should. Time management should serve you—not control you. Change your tools and schedule anytime you feel tension or burnout creeping in.