“I Don’t Have Time”
We’ve all said it: “I don’t have time.” It’s the go-to excuse for skipping the gym, delaying that book you wanted to read, or postponing a catch-up with friends.
I used to be one of those people who would say, “I don’t have time” for things I knew were important, but for which, well, I felt I didn’t have the time for. Ironically, when I had kids, I stopped using that phrase. I realized the issue wasn’t about actually not having time; it was about not prioritizing it well enough.
The Myth of Not Having Time
Time is the one resource we all have in equal measure. From CEOs to college students, everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day. So why do some people seem to achieve so much more than others? The answer lies in how they prioritize their time.
When we say we don’t have time, we’re actually making a statement about our priorities. We all have things that we must do—work, eat, sleep—but beyond these necessities, we have significant freedom in how we choose to spend our remaining hours. Saying, “I don’t have time” is a way of deflecting responsibility. It’s easier to say that we’re too busy than to admit that we’re choosing to spend our time on other things, things that might be more or less important—key lesson is that we always have to prioritize, and we always have to make a choice. Choosing one thing automatically means not choosing something else.
The Power of Prioritization
Think about the last time you had a busy day. Now imagine you got a call from a loved one who needed your help urgently. Chances are you’d drop everything and find the time.
This example highlights a critical truth: we make time for what we value most.
If something is truly important to us, we will find a way to fit it into our schedule. This doesn’t mean that making time for everything is easy—it often requires sacrifice and careful planning. But it is possible.
Shifting Your Mindset
Changing the way we talk about time can be a powerful first step in shifting our priorities. Instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” try saying, “It’s not a priority.” This small change forces us to confront the reality of our choices.
For example:
“I don’t have time to exercise” becomes “Exercising is not a priority.”
“I don’t have time to read” becomes “Reading is not a priority.”
“I don’t have time to start that project” becomes “Starting that project is not a priority.”
By reframing these statements, you can gain clarity on your true priorities. Once you understand your priorities, you can start making meaningful progress or even free up time in your day.
So next time you catch yourself saying, “I don’t have time,” pause and reconsider. Ask yourself if it’s really about time or if it’s about priorities.
Remember, time is the most precious resource we have. Let’s use it wisely.
