In a world that never stops moving, time often feels elusive. We juggle work, family, and personal goals—yet somehow, the things we want to do always get pushed aside. Have you ever felt busy all day, only to wonder what you actually accomplished? 

Whether you're preparing for the CDFO exam, leading a team, or simply trying to find time to breathe, let’s explore practical strategies to beat procrastination, increase efficiency, and reclaim time for what is truly most important to you.

Why we procrastinate, and how to break the cycle

Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s often a response to fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed, or having a lack of clarity. The key is to start small and build momentum. 

At EDS25, speaker Carla Howard reflected on the time management technique known as “Eat the Frog.”  If it’s your job to eat a frog, do it first thing in the morning—it’s likely the worst thing you’ll face all day. The “frog” represents your most challenging task. Tackling it first gives you a sense of accomplishment that fuels the rest of your day.

Break tasks into micro-steps. 

Instead of: “I need to study for the CDFO,” try: “I’ll review one section for 20 minutes.” This micro-commitment lowers resistance and gets you moving.

Time Management Techniques

If frogs aren’t your thing, here are other effective time management techniques:

• Pomodoro Technique:  Work in focused 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. After four sessions, take a longer break. Great for maintaining energy and focus.
• Time Blocking: Schedule your day in blocks dedicated to specific tasks. This minimizes distractions and ensures time is allocated to what matters.
• Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on what’s important, not just what’s screaming for attention.
• The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. It clears mental clutter and builds momentum.

Automate and Delegate

Efficiency isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing less of what doesn’t matter. What tasks can you eliminate? Ask yourself: Am I being busy, or am I being effective?

• Use automation tools like Zapier, Notion, or Google Calendar to handle repetitive tasks.
• Delegate tasks that don’t require your unique skills.
• Batch similar tasks (like emails) to reduce context switching. (Wearing too many hats hurts your brain!)

Learn to say “No”

Is the task your responsibility, or are you stepping in to be helpful?  Saying no to tasks that drain your time and distract you from your priorities is a vital time management skill.  Learning to say “no” is part of practicing assertive communication and setting healthy boundaries.  If you need to say no, offer an alternative solution. 

What to Do With the Time You Save?

As you advance in your career and leadership, maximizing efficiency empowers you to choose how to utilize your reclaimed time.

• Do another task. Yes, if you’re building momentum towards a goal you've set for yourself.
•  Meditate or journal. Self-care is a way to recharge your mind.
• Travel or explore. Absolutely! A simple walk outside can energize you.
• Stop and smell the roses.   Literally, be present. Living in the moment is powerful.
• Schedule “white space” in your calendar—time with no agenda. White space gives you room to focus and reset, freeing you from constant reactivity, replacing it with intentional, distraction-free time for productive work.

Lead by example

If you’re in a leadership role, your time habits set the tone for your team. Model the following:

• Prioritization over busyness
• Boundaries over burnout
• Purpose over pressure

Empower your team to work smarter—not harder.

Studying for the CDFO? You’ve got this!

If preparing for the new Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) exam feels daunting, SDA has resources at your fingertips. Join a study group or find an accountability partner. Use the strategies above to break your study plan into manageable pieces, and reward yourself after each session to reinforce the habit.

Time Is a tool—use it with intention. 

Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day. It’s about making space for what matters most. When you master your time, you reclaim your energy, your focus, and your freedom to enjoy what matters most to you.

You don’t need more hours in the day—you need more intention in the hours you already have. What time management tips have been useful for you? Share them in the comment box below.

Spotlight Resources:

CDFO Information and Application

Online resources:  SDA Blog Article - That One Thing

Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Stephanie Kirschner, FSDA, as she shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I became a member of SDA in 1986. I was new to the AE industry, working for a very small landscape architecture firm at the time. I had attended a seminar on a Saturday presented by the Society of Architectural Administrators (SAA) Columbus Chapter called “The Architectural Secretary – A Training Seminar.” It was a full day of programming on how a project evolves, items specific to a design firm, dealing with various people (clients, consultants, product reps, vendors, etc.), and then a session of Personal Development/Career Professionalism. I was hooked and sad to learn there was not a chapter in my area. So, I worked with a few others from Cincinnati, and we decided to form a chapter, and I became one of the co-founders of the Cincinnati Chapter. I couldn’t be an officer since I didn’t work for an architectural firm, but that didn’t matter. I was just thrilled to have a network of peers that did the same thing I did and understood this crazy AE industry.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

I have seen many changes since becoming a member, including name changes (SAA to SDA – Society of Design Administration to then Society for Design Administration). We have grown from focusing on architectural firms to reaching engineering firms and others in the AEC space. I grew by serving as a Chapter officer in many roles, to serving on National Committees, then serving on the SDA National Executive Committee and ultimately serving as SDA National President in 2009. Each time I took on a new role, I learned  new career skills that helped me in my daily role which gave me the career growth I had been seeking. I went from being a receptionist in a 7-person landscape architectural firm, to becoming a Staff Accountant, Accounting Manager, Director of Administration and ultimately, the CFO and a partner in a 100-person multi-disciplined firm (Engineering/Architecture/Surveying/Landscape Architecture/Planning services). I left the industry in 2010 due to the economic recession, and found myself missing the AEC industry. In late 2012, the opportunity to become the SDA National Executive Director was offered to me, and I was thrilled to accept that position, one I continue to enjoy and learn from to this day. In 2020, I applied and was named a Fellow, joining the ranks of many respected SDA members. The journey to Fellow is not something that happens overnight, but every step I took to advance my career, and my SDA experience led me to that accomplishment. I encourage everyone to start today on their journey to accomplishing that as well.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

Like most people, the connections to SO many members across the country is invaluable. Not only for the knowledge, but for the genuine friendships that have developed over the years. I appreciate the information that is given to us specific to the AEC industry, something you can’t just Google.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

There are so many opportunities to develop your professional career while being a member and volunteering through SDA. One of the things I realized is that I could take my career beyond my wildest imagination because I had a network of colleagues doing big things in the industry. These were role models for me as I gained more experience. When things were hard and I was thinking about leaving the AE industry, talking to others made me realize that it wasn’t just me, that some of the issues were happening in other firms and I wasn’t crazy or dumb. It gave me the courage and resolve to learn more and push for change in my firm because I could come armed with information.

Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an SDA member?

There are plenty of memories when you’ve been a member as long as I have. I remember the first convention (now known as EDSymposium) I attended in Philadelphia. I attended the annual meeting where there was a proposed bylaw to change our name from Society of Design Administration to Society for Design Administration. It was my first opportunity to see Roberts Rules of Order in live, real-time action. I had been through many meetings and understood the basics, but these members where SERIOUS about the process. I came to understand how important governing documents are and why words matter, something I remind our chapters and board members about frequently. When we don’t know whether we can do something or not, the answer is always “what do your bylaws and/or standing rules say?”

There are plenty of fun experiences that have occurred during the many SDA conferences I have attended over the years. From day trips to see a new area of the country, to long conversations over cocktails after a day of long educational programs, I always come away energized by SDA members and want to do more. I wish I could tell every firm owner how much our SDA members care and are concerned for their firms. If they did, every firm would have at least one SDA member as a staff member.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!

Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Elizabeth Harris, FSDA,  as she shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

Finding My Professional Identity

I joined SDA in 2005 after discovering it at the AIA Convention in New Orleans. At the time, I was searching for meaning in my professional life. Years earlier, I had walked away from the active practice of law—burned out and unhappy. Running my husband’s architecture firm aligned with my skills and gave me the flexibility I needed while raising our three daughters, but I struggled with my professional identity.

SDA changed that. It gave me a community, a title, and a place to grow. It gave me something meaningful to say when people asked, “So, what do you do?”

Not long after I joined, then-SDA President Deborah Gill drove from New Orleans to Baton Rouge just to take me to lunch. Her pitch? Start an SDA Baton Rouge chapter and join the certification task force developing the Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) exam. I did both. Helping establish SDA’s first knowledge-based certification and launching a local chapter became defining milestones in my professional journey.

The Path to Fellow

While the CDFA builds foundational skills, becoming an SDA Fellow requires five years as a CDFA, significant service to SDA, and a demonstrated impact on the profession. It’s not just about participation—it’s about legacy.

After becoming an SDA Fellow in 2020, I helped develop the Fellows Path2Success program. This experience deepened my perspective—how to create programs that resonate with members, how to measure what we do so we can improve, and how even our “whoops” moments are just stepping stones to excellence. Trust me, there are layers to this organization you can only uncover after you've been around the block a few times!

Productive Partnerships

An unexpected bonus of my SDA journey? The recurring Zoom workshop sessions with SDA Executive Director Stephanie Kirschner. These started when I was MarCom Co-Chair and quickly became a game-changer.

Before I knew the term body doubling or focus time, these sessions became my professional lifeline—a space where we get stuff done. We log on with a list, flesh out ideas, and turn concepts into reality in real time. By the time we sign off, we’ve transformed vague notions into concrete plans—and we both feel like we can conquer the world.

That kind of synergy isn’t just rare—it’s irreplaceable.

Discovering New Skills

SDA has also pushed me to explore new skills I never expected to develop.

Take video content marketing—something I wouldn’t have touched otherwise. As a volunteer on the MarCom team, I took on the challenge of editing raw SDA footage into testimonials. My daughter suggested trying TikTok as a free editing tool. The office Gen Zs encouraged me. I used my architect husband as my test subject, and in the process, I discovered CapCut.

Fast forward—those SDA videos were completed, and my husband's TikTok presence took off, with one video pulling in 3.2 million views. That single experiment led to home construction and renovation contracts totaling over $1 million in construction value. With our fee structure, the time and effort invested in learning video editing more than paid for itself.

Would that have happened without SDA pushing me into something new? Absolutely not.

Looking Forward

SDA isn’t just about past experiences—it’s about what’s next.

Right now, I’m preparing to convert my CDFA to CDFO, taking the exam onsite at EDS25 in Lexington on May 20, 2025. And I’m using the AI skills I’ve polished through SDA to generate multiple-choice questions as part of my study strategy.

That’s the thing about SDA—it doesn’t just provide knowledge, it fosters innovation. It encourages members to explore new technologies, new skills, and new ways of thinking.

My journey with SDA isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about staying ahead of the curve.

Enduring Value

With AI and the internet at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume professional organizations are less relevant. But professional associations like SDA are more critical than ever for aspiring professionals.

After twenty years in the field, I’ve learned one thing for certain: SDA isn’t just an association—it’s where careers take shape, identities are built, and tomorrow’s industry-changing ideas find their foundation.

The future of design firm management won’t be built by AI or internet searches. It will be built by people—connected, engaged, and pushing each other forward.

That’s why SDA still matters.

 And that’s why I’m still here.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!