Most professionals report that their work time is 'busy' without quite knowing what fills it. Tracking time for two weeks (categorising tasks: strategic, operational, admin, meetings) surfaces patterns most don't realise. Almost always shows misalignment with stated priorities.
What to track
Major time categories. Time in meetings (often shocking — most professionals spend 40-60% in meetings). Time on actual deep work. Time on admin. Time on truly strategic work that moves the role forward.
Audit reveals levers. Most professionals can free 5-10 hours weekly for strategic work by reducing meetings, batching admin, and protecting focus blocks.