How do you personally keep time estimates honest without overengineering your workflow?

I’ve noticed that most task and project tools either feel too heavy

or completely ignore the reality of time vs estimates.

As a solo builder/freelancer, I often:

- Plan a day optimistically

- Finish tasks, but lose track of real time spent

- Struggle to explain progress clearly later

I’m curious:

How do you personally handle time awareness in your daily work?

Do you:

- Track minutes?

- Just trust estimates?

- Use lightweight systems?

- Or avoid time tracking altogether?

Would love to hear real workflows that actually stick.