THE “I DON’T HAVE TIME” MYTH — HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR TIME AND BE MORE PRODUCTIVE

In a world that never stops moving, it’s easy to feel like there’s just not enough time. Our days fill up quickly—with responsibilities, messages, distractions, and demands. Yet deep down, many of us carry a sense that something important is being pushed aside.

We all say it. “I don’t have time.”

It slips out so easily, often without us even thinking. Whether it’s about working out, starting a side project, calling someone back, or just sitting in stillness for a few moments—we fall back on the same line.

And on the surface, it feels true. We lead full lives. Our schedules are packed. Between work, family, errands, and a never-ending list of notifications, time often feels like a luxury we don’t have.

But what if the real problem isn’t time itself—it’s how we’re framing it?

The Time Myth

Over the years, it has become clear that “I don’t have time” is rarely about the literal hours in the day. More often, it’s about:

• Lack of clarity

• Mental and emotional exhaustion

• Misaligned priorities

• Or even fear

Many people carry dreams, ideas, or meaningful goals they’ve postponed for years—not because they weren’t important, but because they felt there was never enough time. That “one day” when things settle down often never arrives.

Time becomes the placeholder for deeper resistance.

What We’re Really Saying

When we say, “I don’t have time,” it often means:

• I’m afraid to fail.

• I don’t want to be disappointed again.

• I’m not sure where to begin.

• I don’t feel ready.

Recognizing this can be a turning point. When we constantly tell ourselves we’re too busy, we stop seeing what’s actually possible. We end up deferring what truly matters, sometimes for years.

Where the Time Is Going

Everyone gets the same 24 hours a day. The difference lies in how we use them.

Time often disappears in small, unnoticed moments:

• Checking WhatsApp when a notification pops up

• Scrolling through social media while waiting in line

• Saying yes to commitments that don’t align with our values

• Jumping between tasks without focused intention

While none of these actions are wrong, they accumulate. Over time, they chip away at the space we could be using for deeper, more fulfilling work.

Tracking your time for just a couple of days can be eye-opening. Not to create guilt, but to increase awareness. And awareness is the first step to change.

Reclaiming Your Time

To reclaim time, the shift starts with mindset. Below are a few principles that can help create space for what matters:

1. Get Clear on What Truly Matters

It’s easy to feel busy and yet disconnected from purpose. Taking time to reflect on what truly matters helps filter out noise. When you know your values, you can protect your energy from things that pull you in the wrong direction.

2. Schedule It Like an Appointment

Time doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it has to be created. Whatever matters to you—journaling, exercise, learning, family time—needs a space in your calendar. Treat these priorities with the same importance you would give to professional meetings.

3. Start Small

Perfectionism is a huge barrier. You don’t need an hour to begin. Start with 10 focused minutes. Tiny steps, done consistently, lead to momentum. The goal is progress, not perfection.

4. Reduce Decision Fatigue

Every decision takes energy. Simplifying your day—planning meals, laying out clothes the night before, creating routines—frees up mental bandwidth and makes it easier to show up for what matters.

5. Watch Your Language

Replacing “I don’t have time” with “It’s not a priority right now” shifts your perspective. It invites honesty. Is it really not a priority? Or is fear holding you back? This small change can create powerful internal clarity.

Final Thoughts

Time is one of our most valuable resources. But it’s also one we have more control over than we often realize.

When we stop saying “I don’t have time” and instead ask, “What do I want to make time for?”—our lives begin to reflect our values, not just our obligations.

You don’t need more hours in the day. You need more intention in the ones you already have.

Take a moment today and ask yourself:

What have I been putting off because I keep saying I don’t have time?

Then take one small step in that direction.

Because you do have time.

For what matters most.