Time Tracking Can Help You Avoid Burnout And Master Your Priorities
How time tracking can help you become more productive and beat burnout? If you have ever felt like you are constantly busy but not making real progress, you are not alone.
Many entrepreneurs, creators, and time-starved individuals find themselves stuck in cycles of overwork and under-accomplishment. On this week’s episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I sat down with Kevin Palmieri, CSO, founder, and host of the top 100 podcast Next Level University, to explore how simplicity, self-awareness, and habit tracking transformed his life and business.
Kevin’s story is not just inspiring, it is a blueprint for change.
Hitting Rock Bottom: Why External Success Is Not Enough
At just 26, Kevin had what many would consider “success”: a six-figure income, a fit body, and a picture-perfect relationship. But underneath the surface, he was battling depression, anxiety, and deep dissatisfaction with life. One day, he found himself sitting on the edge of a bed, contemplating suicide. That moment became the turning point.
Note: If you ever feel like commiting suicide leave everything and seek professional help. Take care of YOU first, and when you feel better, you can start buiding your life again. Everyone's situation is different, so, get help!
Instead of giving up, Kevin went all in on a dream: to build a life filled with purpose, not just paychecks. And that dream became Next Level University, a podcast now heard by over a million people across 175+ countries.
How Time Tracking Can Help You
When Kevin decided to rebuild his life, he did not start with massive changes, he started with an index card. His mentor suggested tracking just three simple habits:
- 30 minutes of exercise
- Checking his bank account
- Posting on social media
Simple? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. What started as a basic checklist evolved into a full-blown habit tracking system that he, and now his team and clients use daily.
Why does it work? Because tracking:
- Creates clarity
- Shows progress
- Builds momentum
- Helps you prioritize what truly matters
And perhaps most importantly, it gives you a reason to celebrate your wins. No need to put enormous pressure on yourself!
You Do Not Need More Time—You Need More Awareness
We often say, “I don't have time,” but Kevin flipped the script by asking a better question: How much time do you actually need? Most people have no idea how long their tasks really take.
He recommends a powerful exercise: set aside one hour for a single task, start a timer, and pause it every time you get distracted. At the end of the hour, check how much focused time you actually put in. The results will likely surprise you.
This simple time audit can lead to game-changing decisions about what stays on your calendar and what needs to go.
Avoiding Burnout Starts With Simplicity
Kevin is a firm believer in keeping systems simple, especially during chaotic seasons of life. Instead of aiming for 100% productivity, he focuses on completing the top 20% of habits that drive 80% of results.
Think of your habits in 3 tiers:
- Green: Non-negotiables
- Yellow: Nice to have
- Red: Bonus habits
When life gets hectic, protect the “green” and let the rest flex.
This mindset helps avoid burnout while still moving the needle.
Time Tracking Can Help You as a Business Strategy
Beyond productivity, tracking became a strategic tool in Kevin’s business. He used data from his calendar and habit tracker to recognize that 70% of his energy went to client delivery. That insight led him to restructure his week to create more margin protecting his energy and improving client experience.
He also emphasized the importance of weekly reviews, asking:
- What keeps getting rescheduled?
- What no longer fits?
- What actually drives results?
Living by your calendar, he says, is one of the most powerful ways to take control of your life.
Digital Tools for Simple Systems
For those wondering how to start, Kevin recommends:
- Google Calendar for scheduling
- Google Sheets for tracking habits and finances
- Google Tasks for to-dos
While there are countless apps and automations, he prefers manual tracking because it forces awareness. “If it is too automated,” he said, “you don’t really see it.” I love this, as many of us already use Google products, this works and keeps cost down when you are starting out.
Final Takeaway: Simplicity Wins
In a world that glamorizes hustle, Kevin’s approach is refreshing: start simple, stay consistent, and track what matters. When you know how you are spending your minutes, you can finally master your hours and your life.
Listen to the full episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast (see above or below on YouTube) with Kevin Palmieri for a mindset reset and a time mastery game plan you can start today.
Links Mentioned On This Episode
Ready to Reclaim Your Time and Energy?
You do not have to choose between your family and your business. If you are a time-starved mompreneur trying to grow your dream without burning out, my 6-week Time Reset Coaching Package is designed just for you.
In just 6 weeks, you will learn how to:
- Build a personalized time-blocking system that actually works for YOU!
- Set boundaries that protect your energy without guilt.
- Create a simple, sustainable weekly routine that includes time for YOU!
- Stay focused and present in business and at home.
- Turn chaos into clarity with accountability and compassionate coaching.
This is more than productivity, it's about peace, purpose, and progress.
You will walk away with:A personalized 90-day action plan
- Weekly 1:1 coaching calls
- Voxer or email support between sessions
- Printable planners + mindset tools
- Real-time solutions for real-life challenges
Spots are limited. Ready to get your time—and your life back? Want to check this out? Book a Calarity Call!
Grab your copy of "The Proud Sunflower"
Check out Kevin Palmieri @ Next Level University
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