Stop Saying You Don't Have Time: 5 Life-Changing Tips to Prove You Do
Do you ever feel like 24 hours a day isn't enough?
This nagging thought often haunts us. It makes us believe we're constantly racing against time. But here's a twist: the idea that there's not enough time is one of life's ultimate lies.
As someone who has ADHD, borderline OCD, type-A, and is a bit introverted, I've been there. My brain used to be all over the place, leading me to do a lot of everything but accomplish nothing. That changed when I realized that only a few things genuinely deserve my attention, and in doing so, my life and career transformed. Sure, my mental quirks still give me a hard time, but I know how to keep them in check.
Now, let's dive into how reshaping your perception of time, guided by a few transformative strategies, can also turn this pervasive myth into a liberating truth for you.
The Power of a Value Hierarchy
Humans are hierarchical creatures.
And without a hierarchy, our values get distorted. Not all values are created equal. When they are treated as such, the one that wins out, especially in times of crisis, is the most mimetic. It's like highlighting every word in a book — nothing stands out.
By creating a value system with a clear hierarchy, we can prevent distorted priorities and manage our time better.
Here's what you need to do:
Write down your five to ten life values.
Arrange them in order of importance.
Start to live your life by this value hierarchy.
Define Your Identity
Stoicism's basic premise is the "dichotomy of control," knowing what's up to us and what isn't.
As Epictetus said, the chief task is coming to terms with what you can control and can't. You have first to decide what you want to be. Then, you have to have the discipline to make it happen.
Embracing your true identity transforms your life in remarkable ways:
Sharper Focus: Clear identity equals clear priorities. You'll focus on what truly matters, enhancing your effectiveness.
Simpler Decisions: Knowing yourself makes choices easier and more aligned with your core values.
Resilience: A strong sense of self provides stability in tough times, helping you stay true to your course.
Healthier Relationships: Authenticity attracts genuine connections, leading to more meaningful interactions.
Personal Fulfillment: Understanding who you are fosters growth and fulfillment, aligning your actions with your true self.
In short, defining your identity is about unlocking a focused, resilient version of yourself, deeply connected to your values and purpose.
This is not just life-improving; it's life-changing.
Setting Focused Goals
In a world where multitasking is often mistaken for productivity, setting focused goals is like finding a compass in a maze.
You need a North Star that helps guide every decision. The key isn't to have a long list of goals but a few well-defined ones. This approach streamlines your time management and amplifies your effectiveness.
Here's how to do it:
Prioritize Ruthlessly: Identify the top three goals that align with your values and long-term vision. Everything else is secondary. This prioritization ensures that your efforts are concentrated on what truly matters.
Break Them Down: Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This makes them more manageable and gives you a clear roadmap to follow.
Regular Review and Adjust: Goals aren't set in stone. Regularly review your goals to ensure they align with your evolving priorities and make adjustments as needed. This keeps your goals relevant and achievable.
By setting focused goals, you're not just planning but paving a clear path towards your desired future. It's about making every step count and ensuring that your efforts are not just busy work but meaningful strides toward your aspirations.
Ditch the Screen, Embrace the Scene
Reducing screen time to engage more with the real world is crucial.
Put the phone down and look around. Life is happening right in front of you. Make someone laugh, explore an uncharted path, or take a bit of time to listen to the birds.
Live in the present, not the virtual.
This shift not only gives you more time but enriches the time you have.
Every Moment Counts
All time is quality time, says Ryan Holiday.
Instead of seeing a boring drive as an obligation, view it as a gift — a moment between moments. Or perhaps moments with the people you love. All time with your loved ones is created equal. What you do with that time makes it special.
Embrace the present no matter where you're at or doing — it's all you really have.
Tolstoy said, "There is no past and no future; no one has ever entered those two imaginary kingdoms. There is only the present."
It is a powerful reminder.
The belief that there's not enough time is a limiting one.
Pick one of these tips and implement it for a week. Let it help guide you in deciding how to invest your time. Keep a journal of your findings.
Then, share your experiences or insights on social media. Let's prove together that there is, indeed, enough time.
