How Does Your Personality affect Time Management

How Does Your Personality affect Time Management

How Does Your Personality Affect Time Management? 

Your personality influences how you perceive time, handle tasks, and respond to pressure. Understanding your behavioural style whether you’re task-driven, big-picture focused, or inspiration-led—can help you manage time more effectively and avoid burnout. 

– Task-oriented types may over-focus on busywork, whereas big-picture thinkers may struggle with prioritisation and inspiration-driven personalities thrive in flexible environments. 

Why Do People Procrastinate Even When They Know Better? 

Procrastination isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline, it’s often a result of choosing more pleasurable tasks over less enjoyable ones. It’s tied to core beliefs and personality traits that drive behaviour. 

When we procrastinate, we’re often  

  • seeking reward or comfort 
  • Avoiding discomfort or stress 
  • Misalignment with personal values

Can Procrastination Be Productive? 

Yes, when approached mindfully, procrastination can lead to creativity and insight. Giving yourself space without guilt can unlock new ideas and solutions. 

We can pause and reflect on resistance or use downtime for ideation. However it’s important to avoid self-criticism 

Yes, when approached mindfully, procrastination can lead to creativity and insight. Giving yourself space without guilt can unlock new ideas and solutions. 

We can pause and reflect on resistance or use downtime for ideation. However it’s important to avoid self-criticism 

What Are Core Beliefs and How Do They Impact Productivity? 

Core beliefs are deeply ingrained values that drive motivation and behaviour. They can be both a superpower and a distraction, influencing how you approach tasks and time. 

If we tap into it well, businesses can be more strategic on how they drive structure and planning.  Those that tap into well, will be more creative, innovative and more likely to be working in a flow state.  Additionally, they’ll have better control and be motivated to make precision tasks.  

How Can You Motivate Yourself to Do Unpleasant Tasks? 

Tie the task to something you value or gamify it. For example, turning a boring task into a timed challenge can make it engaging and rewarding. You can gamify with timers or competition.  Remember to link tasks to personal strengths and reward yourself after completion 

What Is the Pomodoro Technique and Why Does It Work? 

The Pomodoro Technique uses short bursts of focused work followed by breaks. It aligns with how the brain functions (best—in cycles) and helps reduce overwhelm. 

Here’s how it works:  

  • Set a timer for 25–40 minutes.
  • Work on a single task. 
  • Take a 5–10-minute break. 
  • Repeat and reward yourself . 

How Do Personality Assessments Like DISC and Lumina Spark Help? 

These tools reveal behavioural preferences and stress responses. They help individuals and teams understand how to work in flow and avoid burnout. In particular they help individuals recognise when they are over extending their behavioural preference style, particularly when under pressure.  

Tool  Focus Area  Benefit 
DISC  Task vs people focus  Identifies default behaviours 
Lumina Spark  Flexibility & balance  Shows how to dial traits up/down 

What’s the Link Between Stress and Time Management? 

Stress impairs time management, and poor time management increases stress. Managing both is essential for productivity and wellbeing. 

When we can stop, take stock and be more mindful and considered of our habits and prioritisation techniques, we can be more strategic in our process. However, our brain also does need to reset and recover. Cecilia likes to use NSDR or Yoga Nidra. Whatever you choose, ensure you take regular recovery breaks and if possible, step outside for some fresh air.  

How Can You Work in Your Genius Zone? 

Your genius zone is where your skills and passions align. Working in this zone boosts productivity and satisfaction. When you’re working in the zone time flies unnoticed, tasks feel effortless and results are high-quality.  

What Are 3 Productivity Hacks You Can Use Today? 

Use simple but effective strategies to boost your productivity and reduce stress. 

Try these to get you started:  

  • Impact vs Effort Matrix – Focus on tasks with high impact and low effort. 
  • Turn Off Notifications – Reduce distractions and stress. 
  • Prioritise 2–3 Tasks Daily – Avoid overwhelming to-do lists. 

Check out our upcoming free MASTERCLASSES that focus on how to Feel Good at Work, how to work Better Together, Talk Smart (communication techniques), Mission Control (leadership techniques), Essential Human Skills, and how to Tame Your Time. 

If you want to improve your behavioural skills and master the human side of work, book your free strategy session here.

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About the Author

Barbara Clifford - The Hinwood Institute
Barbara Clifford (The Time Tamer) is a co-founder of The Hinwood Institute. She is the lead trainer and coach in Time Management. She is a recognized leader in Stress Management. An experienced coach, speaker, columnist and facilitator, Barbara’s work with The Hinwood Institute assists people to unclutter mess, make order from chaos, and swap the shackles of overwhelming for freedom. Barbara’s clients move from the relentless hamster wheel to waking inspired, motivated, making decisions with purpose and achieving peak performance. She lives in the desert of Alice Springs, Australia working with people around the country. Her professional experience has included contracts with small business, Not For Profits, Aboriginal Organisations, Media, Marketing, Aged Care, Universities, Health Services and Cruise Ships