"I Don't Have Time"—Or Do You?

How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I don’t have time”? If you're like most people, probably more times than you can count. It’s a go-to excuse for everything, from skipping the gym to not reading that book or learning a new skill. But let’s pause for a second. Is it really that we don’t have time? Or is it that we’re not prioritizing the time we do have?

The truth is, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. What makes the difference is how we choose to use them. So, let’s ditch the “I don’t have time” mindset and figure out how to make time for the things that matter. Spoiler alert: You probably have more time than you think.

Priorities, Priorities, Priorities

Here’s a fun fact: there’s always time for the things we find important. We make time for what we value, whether it’s binge-watching our favorite show or scrolling through social media. The challenge isn’t that we don’t have time—it’s that we often prioritize things that don't align with our bigger goals.

Next time you say, “I don’t have time,” ask yourself: Is this really about time, or am I putting something else ahead of it? It’s a great moment to reflect and reframe how you're using your day.

The Power of 20 Minutes

Let’s say you’ve got something you really want to explore. Maybe it’s a hobby you’ve been dreaming of, like painting, writing, or learning a new language. Or perhaps it’s a goal you’ve been putting off, like starting a fitness routine or meditating regularly. The thought of finding an extra hour or two for it might feel impossible, but what if I told you that just 20 minutes a day could make a huge difference?

That’s right—20 minutes. The key is consistency, not length. If you commit to spending 20 minutes a day on something, every single day for a month, it starts to add up. That’s 10 hours in just 30 days! And those 10 hours could be spent learning, creating, or building something meaningful. Suddenly, that “I don’t have time” objection doesn’t hold much weight, does it? And I can tell you from experience, when it starts adding up, it can get addictive.

Small Habits, Big Changes

When you start dedicating just 20 minutes each day to something, it quickly becomes a habit. And here’s the beauty of habits—they don’t just affect that one area of your life. They have a ripple effect.

For example, if you decide to spend 20 minutes exercising each day, you might notice that you start feeling more energized throughout the day. That energy can spill over into other areas—maybe you become more productive at work, or you feel more motivated to tackle other personal goals.

If you spend 20 minutes reading every day, you’ll soon notice that your knowledge and perspective are expanding. This could lead to better decision-making, enhanced creativity, and even less stress. It’s all connected. When you invest time in something important, it impacts everything else in a positive way.

The Myth of "Perfect Timing"

One reason we say we don’t have time is because we’re waiting for the perfect moment—when life is less busy, when work slows down, when the kids are older, or when we feel more motivated. But let’s be real: there is no “perfect time.” Life will always be busy, and there will always be something else demanding your attention.

Instead of waiting for the stars to align, embrace the idea that now is the perfect time to start. Even if you only have 20 minutes today, use them. You don’t need a full day to work on your dreams—just start where you are, with the time you have.

A Simple Shift in Mindset

Let’s flip the script. Instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” try saying, “It’s not a priority for me.” Notice how that feels. If it feels uncomfortable, that’s probably a sign that deep down, you know it should be a priority.

For example, instead of saying, “I don’t have time to exercise,” try saying, “Exercising isn’t a priority for me right now.” It hits differently, doesn’t it? That small mindset shift can help you realize what truly matters to you and where you might be letting excuses hold you back.

Time as an Investment

Think of time like a bank account. Every day, you’re given 24 hours to spend, and how you spend those hours is up to you. Wouldn’t you rather invest a little time each day into something meaningful, something that could bring long-term benefits?

It doesn’t have to be huge. Just 20 minutes. That’s like skipping one episode of your favorite show or scrolling less through your phone. It’s a small investment, but over time, the returns are massive.

Start Small, Start Now

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to overhaul your life to make time for the things you care about. Start small. Start now. Pick one thing you’ve been putting off because you “don’t have time” and commit to spending just 20 minutes on it every day for the next 30 days. That’s it. No grand gestures, no big commitments—just 20 minutes of focused time.

After 30 days, take stock. You’ll probably be surprised at how much progress you’ve made, and you might even realize that this new habit is something you want to keep going. Suddenly, finding time doesn’t seem so hard, does it?

So, What Will You Do With Your 20 Minutes?

The next time you find yourself saying, “I don’t have time,” pause and think again. You do have time—you just need to decide how you’re going to use it. So, what will you do with your 20 minutes today?

Remember, small actions add up to big changes over time. Whether it’s learning something new, working on a passion project, or taking care of your health, those 20 minutes are an investment in your future self. Start today, and watch how quickly that “I don’t have time” turns into “Look what I accomplished!”