By Don Wetmore
Time Management
Don Wetmore
In our 24/7/365, hurry-up world, we hear people constantly saying, “I didn’t have the time to…,” as they fill in the blank with “read my book,” “spend time with my family,” “go to the gym” and on and on.
There is a myth about the use of this phrase, “I didn’t have the time to….” It is the belief that the statement is true. It is not. It can only be true if it is universally true.
For example, someone may say, “I didn’t have the time to read my book last evening for an hour.”
There are billions of people on the planet, and we all have the same resource of 24 hours each day.
If one person (and I dare say more than one person) read a book for an hour last evening, it proves that declaration is false. If one person, with the same resource of time as everyone else, reads their book for an hour, it proves that the time was available.
How did that person read their book? They chose to do it. They took the time.
The phrase, “I didn’t have the time to…” is an excuse for a lack in our performance. It really is saying, “If universe had provided me with enough time, I would have been able to read my book. I am not at fault.”
You are suggesting that the universe gave you only 24 hours yesterday. If only the universe had given you 25, you would have the time to read that book for an hour.
What could we say instead when we are about to say, “I didn’t have the time to…?” Try these:
“I chose not to read my book last night.”
“I chose not to spend time with family.”
“I chose not to go to the gym.”
You have right to say these. It is your life. It is your choice. It is your responsibility to prioritize and spend your time.
And thank you for taking the time to read this column.
Don Wetmore is a certified business coach and the author of “The Productivity Handbook” and “Organizing Your Life.” Contact him at 203-394-8216 or ctsem@msn.com.