Mastering Time Management: Strategies for Business and Life with Roger Knecht

Mastering time management is one of the most powerful skills anyone can develop, yet it remains a challenge for many. In a world filled with distractions, competing priorities, and never-ending to-do lists, effectively managing time can mean the difference between success and stagnation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to scale your business, a professional juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone simply looking to create more balance in life, having a structured approach to time management is essential. To shed light on this critical skill, we sat down with Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center, to discuss practical strategies for optimizing productivity, eliminating distractions, and living a more intentional life.

Roger has dedicated his career to helping professionals build successful businesses while maintaining work-life balance. With decades of experience in leadership, coaching, and financial education, he understands the importance of structuring time efficiently to maximize results. In this interview, Roger shares proven methods such as time blocking, prioritization frameworks, and setting clear boundaries to help individuals take back control of their day. Whether you’re struggling with procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, or simply looking for ways to work smarter, Roger’s insights will provide you with actionable strategies to start making meaningful changes today.

Thank you so much for joining us, Roger! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Absolutely! I’m Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center, where we help accounting professionals start and grow their own successful firms by equipping them with the right tools, training, and coaching. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with business owners, guiding them through financial strategies and operational efficiencies to ensure long-term success. A major component of that success is effective time management, which is crucial not just for business but for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Many people struggle to find enough time to juggle responsibilities, and that’s where intentional time management becomes a game-changer. I’m passionate about helping professionals and entrepreneurs develop the skills to master their schedules, so they can achieve more while maintaining a sense of control and personal fulfillment.

You emphasize time management as a critical skill. Why is it so important in both business and life?

Time management is essential because, no matter who you are or what you do, everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. The real difference between those who thrive and those who struggle is how they choose to use that time. Business owners, professionals, and even parents have countless competing demands pulling them in different directions—whether it’s work, family, personal development, or health. Without a structured plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, procrastinate, or focus on tasks that don’t move the needle forward. Proper time management allows individuals to maximize productivity, reduce stress, and create a work-life balance that fosters both professional success and personal happiness. It helps ensure that the most important aspects of life don’t get neglected in the chaos of daily demands.

What’s the first step in mastering time management? Where should people start?

The first and most critical step in time management is gaining clarity on what you want to achieve. Setting specific, measurable goals gives you a clear direction and purpose for managing your time effectively. Whether it’s personal or professional, you need to define your priorities before you can create a meaningful plan. Once you have those priorities in place, break them down into actionable steps and set timelines to ensure steady progress. Without defined objectives, people tend to get caught up in busy work—tasks that feel productive but don’t actually move them closer to their goals. Understanding what truly matters and aligning daily activities with long-term aspirations is the foundation of mastering time management.

Many people struggle with prioritization. How do you determine what truly matters?

Prioritization can be simplified by categorizing tasks into four groups: urgent and within your control, important but not urgent, urgent but out of your control, and neither urgent nor important. The key to effective prioritization is focusing on tasks that are both urgent and within your control, as these are the ones that drive results. Tasks that are important but not urgent should be scheduled so they don’t become last-minute stressors. If something is urgent but outside of your control, delegation is your best strategy. The real problem for most people is spending too much time on tasks that are neither urgent nor important—distractions that don’t contribute to productivity or success. By consistently evaluating your workload through this framework, you can ensure that your time is spent on activities that truly matter and have the highest return on investment.

Let’s talk about calendars. Why are they such a valuable tool for structuring time effectively?

A calendar is more than just a scheduling tool—it’s a strategy for success. One of the most effective ways to manage time is through time blocking, where you dedicate specific time slots to specific tasks or priorities. Instead of merely listing tasks on a to-do list, assigning them a designated time ensures that they get done. This method also helps prevent overloading your schedule and protects time for deep work without distractions. A well-structured calendar can help you allocate time for meetings, focused work, self-care, and even breaks, making it a powerful tool to increase productivity and reduce stress. If something is truly important, it should be scheduled, ensuring that critical tasks don’t get overshadowed by daily distractions.

When it comes to interruptions, how do you stop them so you can actually get your work done?

Interruptions can completely derail productivity, so it’s crucial to create a work environment that minimizes them. One of the first steps is turning off unnecessary notifications on your phone and computer, as these small distractions can significantly reduce focus and efficiency. Setting clear boundaries with colleagues, family, or employees is also essential—let them know when you are in deep work mode and shouldn’t be disturbed. If phone calls are a major source of interruptions, let them go to voicemail and return them during designated break times. Creating a designated workspace, whether at home or in the office, also helps signal to others that you are engaged in focused work. Interruptions are inevitable, but taking proactive steps to minimize them can help you regain control of your time and productivity.

Many people get stuck in the habit of checking emails, social media, and texts throughout the day. How can they break that cycle?

Breaking the habit of constantly checking emails and social media requires conscious effort and discipline. One effective strategy is to set specific times during the day to check and respond to messages rather than reacting to notifications in real time. Keeping your phone away from your workspace or turning off notifications can prevent the temptation to check it impulsively. There are also productivity tools and apps that can block distracting websites during work hours, helping you stay focused. It’s important to remind yourself that most messages do not require an immediate response, and your productivity shouldn’t suffer because of digital distractions. By implementing these strategies, you can regain control over your attention and significantly improve your efficiency.

You mentioned time blocking earlier. How do you make it work effectively?

Time blocking is only effective when it is done intentionally and with flexibility. First, identify your most critical tasks and schedule them early in the day when your focus is strongest. Estimate the time each task will take and always allow for buffer time, as things often take longer than expected. Grouping similar tasks together—known as batch processing—can also reduce the mental energy spent on switching between different activities. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule breaks to prevent burnout. The biggest mistake people make is overloading their calendar with back-to-back tasks without allowing breathing room. Effective time blocking provides structure while also maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to unexpected events.

What about decision fatigue? How do you prevent it?

Decision fatigue occurs when people are overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions they have to make throughout the day, leading to exhaustion and poor choices. One of the best ways to prevent it is by reducing the number of minor decisions you make daily. Planning your schedule in advance, automating simple choices like meal prepping, and streamlining your workflow can help conserve mental energy. Delegating smaller decisions to team members or family can also lighten your cognitive load. By eliminating unnecessary choices, you free up your mental capacity for more important decisions that truly impact your life and business.

What’s your take on vacations? How do they impact productivity?

Vacations are essential for long-term productivity and well-being. Interestingly, research shows that the anticipation of a vacation provides more psychological benefits than the trip itself. Having something to look forward to creates motivation and prevents burnout. However, many people make the mistake of overpacking their vacations with activities, leaving them more exhausted than when they left. To maintain motivation, it’s beneficial to plan a getaway or break every 8 to 12 weeks—whether it’s a weekend trip or even just a local staycation. Taking regular breaks isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining high performance and preventing burnout.

For someone struggling with time management, what’s one simple habit they can start today?

A great habit to start immediately is planning your day the night before. Taking just five minutes before bed to review your schedule, identify top priorities, and set time blocks can eliminate morning indecision and help you hit the ground running. Having a clear action plan in place allows you to start your day with focus and purpose rather than wasting time figuring out what needs to be done.

What final piece of advice would you give to readers looking to take control of their time?

You have the power to control your time, but it requires being intentional about how you use it. Prioritizing the right tasks, eliminating distractions, and setting boundaries are key to taking back control of your schedule. The goal isn’t just to be productive—it’s to create a life that is both fulfilling and balanced. Work hard, but also make time for what truly matters.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

I’d love to connect on LinkedIn—just mention that you heard me here! Also, visit Universal Accounting for free resources and training. And check out my podcast for insights on business, finance, and personal growth.

Roger, thank you so much for your time today. Your insights on time management are invaluable, and I know our readers will find them incredibly helpful!

To dive deeper into Roger Knecht’s expert insights on time management and productivity, listen to his podcast episode now at https://www.spreaker.com/episode/time-management-hacks-to-get-more-done-in-less-time–64062560.