Impulse 6 - Own Time - Decide how to use your time yourself

Who actually decides how you spend your time?

Be honest: who makes the decisions about your time? Is it you yourself—or are you guided more by external circumstances, the expectations of others, or the dictates of digital notifications?

In a world full of demands and distractions, the ability to manage your own time has become one of the most valuable skills. Time is life – and those who do not determine their own time leave control of their lives to others.

The good news is: time sovereignty can be learned. It's not about planning every minute, but about making conscious decisions and setting clear boundaries.

The illusion of no alternatives

“I have to quickly...”, “I have no choice...”, “There's no other way...” – we are all familiar with these thoughts. But they are usually an expression of an illusion: the supposed lack of alternatives.

The truth is: in almost every situation, we have choices. Every commitment is also a rejection of something else. Every “yes” to a request means a “no” to an alternative use of time – be it leisure, family, or personal projects. This realization may be uncomfortable at first, because it confronts us with our own responsibility.

But it is also liberating, because it gives us back the power to actively shape our lives instead of just reacting.

From external control to self-determination

The path to time sovereignty begins with a change of perspective. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim of external circumstances, take on the role of creator:

Recognize your power: You decide who you give your attention to.

Question “the obvious”: Many time wasters only exist because we don't question them.

Define your priorities: What is really important to you? What do you want to use your limited lifetime for?

Set boundaries: Learn to say “no” politely but firmly when necessary.

The art of small, consistent steps

Time sovereignty does not develop overnight. It grows through small but consistent decisions in everyday life:

• Start your day with a conscious decision instead of reaching for your smartphone.
• Create time buffers between appointments—15 minutes can make the difference between rushing and calmness.
• Establish personal time rituals that belong only to you—whether it's a morning walk or a cup of tea in the evening.
• Regularly check whether your time investments are in line with your values.

Sovereignty through clear rules

To strengthen your sovereignty over time, clear personal rules can help. These don’t need to be rigid, but they provide orientation in a world full of distractions:

The 24-Hour Rule: Don’t make immediate commitments. Give yourself 24 hours to consider any request that would take more than an hour of your time.

The Priority Rule: Each day, complete at least one task that is important for your long-term goals before tackling the urgent everyday ones.

The Focus Rule: Set aside at least one period of 60 to 90 minutes each day for focused work without interruptions.

The Presence Rule: When you’re with people who matter to you, deliberately turn off all digital distractions.

The Watch as a Symbol of Time Sovereignty

A watch can be more than just a timekeeping instrument – it can become a symbol of your sovereignty over time.

A BOTTA watch, in particular, with it's Your Time principle, reminds us that we don’t need to chop time into seconds, but can instead experience it in larger, more meaningful units.

When you look at your watch, let it be a moment of awareness: “This is my time. How do I want to shape it?”

Practical impulses for your everyday life

To strengthen your time sovereignty, we invite you to take these concrete steps:

Daily reflection: In the evening, ask yourself: “At what moment today did I feel that I was truly in control of my time?”

Conscious decision: Tomorrow, choose one situation in which you decide differently than usual — in favor of your own priorities.

Time inventory: Keep a time diary for three days. Afterwards, mark which activities were self-determined and which were dictated by others.

“No” practice: Practice saying “no” once a day — kindly but firmly — or suggest an alternative.

Reflection question for today:
Which of my decisions today shows that I am in control of my time?

This question invites you not only to think about missed opportunities, but also to recognize your successes.
Every small, sovereign decision about your time is a step in the right direction.

Look for small “islands of time” in your day that you can shape on your own terms.
Sometimes just 15 minutes of conscious pause can strengthen your sense of self-determination.

Remember: Your time is your life.
And it is your right to shape this life on your own terms.

Self-care is not selfishness. Only when you meet your own needs will you have the strength to truly be there for others in the long run.

Our book recommendation on this topic:
“Die Entscheidung liegt bei Dir” by Reinhard Sprenger.

This Time Impulse is part of our Your Time Principle — a philosophy designed to help you develop a new awareness of your personal time and handle it with greater sovereignty. Discover all 28 Time Impulses and transform your view of time.

To the Your Time Overview