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I really enjoy networking with other artists and photographers in a few different groups on Facebook. Several times a week I see people ask for advice then respond to the advice they are given with “I don’t have time for that.” or “I would love to do that, but I just don’t have the time”. We need to stop telling ourselves this lie. You DO have the time for anything you want. It’s simply a matter of making it a priority.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day to use as we will. The question is what matters to you? Are you putting your time into the things that are truly important? Are you using time as an excuse? Time is a resource to be budgeted, just like money. If you plan and prepare you will find the time to do the things that matter. If you fly by the seat of your pants and just spend your time on whatever feels good in the moment you’re likely to end up bankrupt
I remember a lesson we had in church when I was a youth. The teacher had a big glass jar, golf balls, rocks, and sand. First she poured the sand in then the rocks The jar was full and there was no room for the golf balls. Then she did it in reverse. She put the golf balls in, then the rocks. Shook the jar a little bit then started adding sand. Almost all of the sand fit in the cracks.
We need to budget our time the same way. We need to first plan for our golf balls, the most important things, that often also take more time. Then we start adding our rocks, the good things we really want to do, but aren’t quite as important as the golf balls. Last we add in the sand, the things we enjoy that aren’t super important. Then we need to completely cut out those things that aren’t good for us at all or are merely draining time away from the important things without giving us any real benefit.
Don’t forget, self-care is most often a golf ball or rock. Don’t cheat yourself out of much needed recreation and recuperation when budgeting your time. You are important too!
This principle applies to family, work, and everything else. If it is important to you then you WILL find the time to do it. Stop making excuses and start making a time budget. Don’t let anyone else dictate to you what is important. This is your life and your family. Make your choices and own them. No more excuses. It’s ok to say no when someone else’s demands on your time don’t fit into your budget just like it’s ok to say no to loaning someone money you don’t have.
What is at the top of the list in your time budget? What things can you cut out to make more time for the things that are important?
I completely agree, I’d been using that excuse with running last year and so this year I’ve been heading out with the running stroller, once my husband gets in from work or when the kids are in bed. I know it makes me feel better once I’ve been so I’ve prioritised it. I’m now trying to add in reading regularly too, it’s meant I’ve been watching less tv which has also led to eating less mindless junk food. It’s only been a few weeks but I do feel more rested!
Great reminder! Its funny I’ve been struggling with leaning in too much with blogging and have been trying to find a way to fit other things with my time (I’ve neglected working out or doing self-care practices). I have remember that sometimes what I think is the golf ball shouldn’t be the golf ball all the time! I care about my blog but I can’t let it take over all my free time outside of being a mom. I need to remember to prioritize self care as a golf ball sometimes and not as the sand (for when I have leftover time).
Every night I review priorities for the next day. i write out priorities from one through ten in order of importance. This is a really good subject to speak out about. Thank you!
After I left a career that was no longer fulfilling me, I made a conscious decision to only do the things I truly loved. For me that is exercising at least 4-5 times a week, and working on my blog.
Love this. We often get so caught up in various things that it’s easy to feel like we don’t have time, but really, we need to make time!
I have been making time workout so that I can be a healthy role model for my baby.
Time is the most valuable asset any of us have!
So true. Making what’s important for you business a priority instead of making excuses can make or break a business.
Exactly what I am always telling my clients! Great post!