What to Do When You “Don’t Have Enough Time”
Do you know someone who always seems busy, but who never seems to have enough time? Maybe that person is you.
By contrast, do you know someone who amazes you with all they accomplish in the same 24 hours as you?
This is because time is not minutes on the clock. Time is a relationship.
Certainly, outside influences and unpredictable events can impact anyone’s schedule. Lack of time can also be a result of insufficient resources and presents a great opportunity to ask for help.
Still, most of us need a mindset change.
Time for a change
Whenever I hear someone say they don’t have enough time, I immediately know this has nothing to do with their schedule but with their relationship to that schedule.
You don’t have a time problem, you have a time management problem.
The only difference between being productive and frenzied is how you use our time, not how much time you have.
I could write a whole other blog on time management. In fact, I have a time-management module in my Build a Business You Love program.
But for now, I want to share the truth about most people’s relationship to time.
Time and priorities
Often we use time as an excuse, a reason for not keeping our word. If we miss a deadline, it’s easy to blame a “lack of time.”
However, we can’t blame time for our actions. Time is just time; it’s minding its own business.
When we blame time, we’re removing our own agency, shirking responsibility for our choices.
But if we want results, we need to take full responsibility for managing our time. When someone tells me “I didn’t have enough time to complete it,” I usually respond, “What prevented you from making this a priority?”
Don’t have enough time? Make time instead.
Think about this: We make time for things we consider important. You get things done when your mind relates to them as a priority.
A large part of shifting your relationship with time is understanding and valuing your priorities.
I invite you to take this challenge: Next time you find yourself saying “I don’t have enough time,” say instead, “It isn’t a priority.”
Sounds different, doesn’t it? Might even bite you a little bit.
The reason we don’t get things done is that we don’t make them a priority. Or we give something else priority instead.
This isn’t a big deal if something really isn’t a priority. It’s OK to admit that.
Time to prioritize your business
When it comes to working on your business, taking actions that will help you generate income or get new clients is a top priority. If you “don’t have enough time” for this, you may need to re-look at your priorities.
Usually, the problem isn’t time management alone. You may have a mindset block, like the fear and discomfort that leads you to procrastinate. When confronted with the choice of pushing through fears or avoiding them, you might choose to do something more enjoyable, like watch Netflix.
A large part of my coaching work is holding this line with my clients. This is why they get great results.
Mind tricks … and treats
The mind can be a trickster. It’s full of completely valid reasons to avoid taking action that moves your business forward.
This avoidance usually comes from a protective place that fears change. The brain can be hard to retrain alone.
So ask yourself: How are you going to make your business a priority? How will you make time for what’s important to you?
Instead of being resigned, own your power to be resourceful, deciding how to use your time.
When you are willing to be creative, willing to schedule periods to work on your goals, you might find all the time you need.
