read through this short article I have written for my linkedin audience. without changing my style or tone, what is lacking for it to resonate with my audience and sounds like written by a top 1% linkedin writers? There’s a common, often overused notion in our society: when someone asks you to do something or when you have goals you wish to achieve, you often say, “When I have some free time, I’ll do this or that.” But here’s the truth: free time doesn’t exist. There’s only planned time and unplanned time.

The problem with waiting for “free time” is that it’s a trap. Whenever that time comes, something always seems to crop up. Instead of waiting for free time, you need to embrace autonomy; taking control of your own life and decisions. Here’s why.


Embrace Autonomy Over Free Time

Understanding Autonomy                                                                                                              Autonomy is about taking charge of your life and making decisions that align with your goals. For you, it might mean creating a schedule that prioritises your pressing problem (whatever that might be), rather than waiting for the elusive “free time.” When you truly embrace autonomy, you realise you have control over your choices. You can set out a time to learn something for instance, no matter how busy you are. And no, you don't need an hour, even 15 mins is a good start. Of course it won't be easy at first, what is?


Why Autonomy Matters

Empowerment: When you take ownership of your time, you can give yourself permission to make decisions that align with your goals. This mindset shift helps you focus on what matters.

Intentionality: Autonomy enables you to be intentional about how you spend your time. Instead of reacting to distractions, you can proactively schedule activities that support your vision.

Flexibility: Life is unpredictable. By seeking autonomy, you learn to adapt your plans as needed while still making progress toward your objectives. You don’t need to wait for a mythical “free time” to get started; you could, but it wouldn't favour you.


Practical Steps to Cultivate Autonomy

Set Clear Goals                                                                                                                                         Start by defining what you want to achieve. Be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to improve my data analysis skills,” try, “I want to complete an online course in Python for data analysis by the end of the month.” Clear goals give you direction and purpose.

Create a Structured Schedule                                                                                                                Once you have your goals, create a schedule that incorporates time for working toward them. Use tools like calendars or to-do lists to block out time for study, practice, or projects. This turns your intentions into actionable steps.

Prioritise Your Tasks                                                                                                                                Not all tasks are equally important. Learn to prioritise based on urgency and importance. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s important. Focus on high-impact activities that contribute to your growth.

Limit Distractions                                                                                                                                   Identify what distracts you the most and find ways to minimise those distractions. This might mean turning off notifications, setting specific times to check emails, or finding a quiet space to work. The less you allow unplanned interruptions, the more you can focus on your goals.


Making the Most of Your Planned Time

Use Short Bursts of Time                                                                                                                       You don’t need hours at a stretch to make progress. Use short bursts of time effectively. For example, if you have 15 minutes, you can read an article, watch a tutorial, or work on a small part of a project. These small chunks can add up significantly over time.

Be Present and Engaged                                                                                                                           When you do set aside time for your goals, be fully present and engaged. Avoid multitasking. Focus on the task at hand, whether it’s learning a new skill, analysing data, or working on a project. This concentration will yield better results than fragmented attention.

Reflect and Adjust                                                                                                                              Regularly reflect on your progress. Are your goals still relevant? Is your schedule working for you? Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans as needed. This reflection helps you stay aligned with your objectives and reinforces your autonomy.


Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Growth

By shifting your mindset from waiting for free time to actively seeking autonomy, you open the door to accelerated growth. Remember, free time is a myth. Instead, focus on creating a structured and intentional approach to your priorities. Take charge of your time, and watch how your skills and career as a data analyst flourish.

What will you do? It’s up to you, of course. But don’t wait for the perfect time. You have more power than you realise. When you begin to invest in the right areas, no matter how small, you’ll realise the beauty of autonomy.

Give it a go. You’ve got this.