In 2024, I started tracking my time and logged 4’242 hours of my active life.

I want to share what I’ve learned along the way, how I analysed and used data to improve efficiency and quality of life.

Ever feel like you’re working hard, only to realize time has vanished and you have no idea where it went? It’s frustrating — but completely normal.

From my experience, time tracking elevates time management to a whole new level.

The idea is simple: you can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Time is our most valuable and limited resource, so knowing where it goes is essential. After all, how you invest your time shapes your future.

Here’s how I make time tracking work:

Week 0: Choose a time tracking tool
The best time-tracking tool is the one you’ll actually use. Since you’ll be using it multiple times a day, it needs to be simple and fast. After some research, I found Toggl Track—and its free version works perfectly for me.

It’s straightforward:

1. When you start a task, hit the ▶️ button.
2. Name the task.
3. Assign it to a project.

Simple categorization is key to gaining insights later.

Week 1-2: Just track — build the habit
At first, don’t overthink it. Just track.
Don’t change your habits yet. Track everything honestly, even procrastination.
The goal is to get a clear picture of where your time goes.

Week 3: Analyze the data
After a few weeks of tracking, plan 30-60 minutes to review your reports.

Ask yourself and look for answers in the data:
– Where is my time going?
– What do I want to change, and how do I want to spend my time?

After just a few weeks of tracking, you’ll begin to notice patterns.
Some will surprise you. Some will make you proud. And some will motivate you to change.
Use that momentum and insights to plan one concrete change for next week.

Week 4: Reflect on changes
At the end of the next week, review your progress:
What worked? What didn’t? Did you stick to your goal?
If needed, adjust and set a new goal for next week.

Make this reflection your weekly ritual.

My key takeaways from a year of time tracking:

1. I suck at estimating time for new tasks.
   Sometimes, they take half the expected time. Sometimes, three times more.
   Just knowing this helped me stay calm and plan better.
   
   
2. Hidden time costs are everywhere.
   I thought my daily run took 45 minutes. But when I include changing clothes, stretching and showering? It’s actually double that.
   
   
3. Small things steal big chunks of time.
   Switching between tasks and breaks can waste hours. It takes time and energy for your brain to shift focus, process the new problem, and get into the flow.
   
   
4. I don’t have 40 hours per week for my top priorities.
   And that’s okay — I’ve learned to make the most of 15-25 hours of deep, focused work.
   
   
5. Social media algorithms steal time like nothing else.
   Limiting it instantly puts hours back in your pocket.
   
   
6. Not all habits are worth keeping — choose only the best.
   10 minutes daily is 60 extra hours a year. Use daily habits wisely.
   
   
7. Beware of toxic productivity.
   Sometimes, optimizing and planning take more time than actual work.
   Avoiding this trap is a daily battle, but it is one worth fighting.

To sum up, also check out this video:
(50 sec. part from 2:12:35 to 2:13:23)