Solve Bigger Problems: Protect Your Time from the Small Stuff

Your time is your most valuable resource. It’s not your job to solve every problem—it’s your job to solve the right problems. The bigger ones. If you’re not careful, your day can get eaten up by things that don’t really move the needle.

Inbox clutter. Meeting requests. Fixing someone else’s forgotten task.

These might feel urgent in the moment, but they’re often distractions in disguise. And when you spend your day putting out fires, you never get around to building something great.

Here’s a better way.

1. Zoom Out and Identify What Actually Matters

Ask yourself:

• What’s the one problem I could help solve this week that would create the most impact?

• What issue, if ignored, will grow into a crisis?

• Where do I bring unique value that no one else can?

  
  

If your day doesn’t involve at least one meaningful step toward solving that problem, you’re drifting off course.

2. Audit the Time Thieves

At the end of the day, look back and ask:

• What did I spend time on today that someone else could’ve done?

• What pulled me away from deep thinking or problem-solving?

• What tasks felt important but didn’t actually move anything forward?
  

Awareness is step one. Start trimming the unnecessary. Don’t be rude—be strategic. Protecting your time is protecting your mission.

3. Set a “Big Problem Power Hour”

Block out a section of your day every day—no meetings, no emails, no interruptions. During this time, work only on something that:

• Requires creativity, strategic thought, or bold decision-making.

• Aligns with your long-term vision or team priorities.

• Feels a bit uncomfortable, because it’s new or challenging.
  

Even just one focused hour a day on the big stuff adds up. You’ll be surprised how quickly progress compounds.

4. Train Your Team to Solve the Small Stuff

If you’re constantly dragged into minor issues, it’s a sign your team needs more ownership.

Ask:

• “What solution would you suggest?”

• “What’s the impact if this waits until tomorrow?”

• “Is this something you can handle with a bit of guidance?”

You don’t just delegate tasks—you delegate thinking. That’s how you build problem-solvers around you.

5. Remember Why You’re Leading

You didn’t step into leadership to chase your inbox or referee petty issues. You’re here to make a difference.

Lead boldly. Think bigger.

Protect your time like it’s sacred—because it is.

Bottom Line: Big problems don’t get solved by accident. They get solved by leaders who focus. Cut the noise. Own your time. And use it to do the work that really matters.