Hey there,
It’s not always easy to say goodbye to something you’ve grown used to, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. The Jets just confirmed Aaron Rodgers won’t be returning next season—an unambiguous move that signals a clear decision to move forward. If a major sports team can let go of a longstanding fixture, we can also look at our own routines and figure out what’s no longer helping us grow.
We often hold on to outdated habits or commitments purely out of habit or loyalty. Maybe you’ve been part of a weekly meeting that consistently eats up 90 minutes yet rarely accomplishes anything. Or perhaps there’s a daily “quick check” on social media that ends up costing an hour of your time. These time drains can sidetrack your focus and prevent you from investing in more meaningful activities.
Think of this process like updating an old playbook. You wouldn’t keep running outdated strategies if they’re no longer effective. The same principle applies to your personal life: your goals and priorities change, so your routines should, too. By actively choosing what to keep and what to toss, you free up precious mental bandwidth. A professional, for example, might decide to cut down on pointless status meetings and shift that reclaimed time into deeper work sessions where real progress happens.
Once you identify the tasks or routines that no longer serve you, it’s time to replace them with something better. That could mean enrolling in a short online course to sharpen a new skill, or dedicating an extra hour each week to exercise. Even spending those reclaimed minutes in quiet reflection can pay dividends in clarity and well-being.
Here’s one simple step you can take right away: make a quick list of your top “time drains” and commit to eliminating at least one this week. Whether it’s that recurring social obligation or a habit of endless scrolling, cutting it out even briefly will show you how much energy and mental space you can get back.
Every minute you reclaim is a step toward a more focused, fulfilling life. If you’d like more guidance on decluttering your schedule and maximizing your attention, explore our exclusive resources on LifeHack All-Access:
Explore more strategies for letting go of time drains with LifeHack All-Access
Best,
Leon
Founder & CEO @ LifeHack
