See, “time” is this high-level objection we use because, for whatever reason, we doubt anyone can tell us different. They don’t know our lives, our kids, our jobs, our pets, our commitments. If I say, “I don’t have enough time” you should just accept it, because… well, to be frank, you don’t know me.
However, I’d like to argue that “time” is scapegoat in this situation. If I said, do you have enough time to have an all expense paid trip to your favorite destination… I think you’d shuffle some sh*t around, right?
“Time” is like the easy-out. And for many people it rarely gets push back so it’s just become the default reasoning that we don’t… do anything. Change anything. Grow anything. Evolve anything. There’s just not enough time, period. But if “time” is just a scapegoat and it’s covering up a deeper reason for not doing these things… well, there’s a different (perhaps multiple different) objections or excuses or reasons that we aren’t doing these things.
And I think until we figure out those objections, “time” will continue to be our excuse to keep living the same life day after day, running the same business day after day, and getting the same results day after day. Because whatever is deeper underneath “time” is what’s holding you back. We can tell that because if you truly wanted something, you’d find the time. So there’s a reason that you don’t truly want… whatever it is that you don’t have enough time for (growing your business, launching that podcast or course, etc.).
So, perhaps it’s that you are actually quite busy and bad at prioritizing. But, then, what’s preventing you from creating a priority and focusing on one thing at a time? What are you afraid of happening if you DO pick a priority and focus on one thing at a time?
Or, perhaps it’s an alignment issue — I’ve had this happen in my own life and business. When I felt too busy to promote my coaching packages because some of my messaging felt really out of alignment. I would say, “oh I’ll make those graphics or send those emails soon, I just don’t have enough time.” In reality, I had plenty of time, I just was avoiding the realization and recognition that something bigger needed to be worked through, that I was operating out of alignment.
I’d say, in my experience, this is pretty common. You could ask yourself, “what makes me choose to feel like I don’t have enough time for this?” When I asked myself that the overwhelming answer wasn’t a list of items to do, it was a recognition that I knew the task was more daunting than just making graphics or sending emails. It was analyzing and assessing my entire business and that felt scary. With that realization also came the realization that it was necessary and that nothing was going to change or move forward with my business until I worked through those issues — and then it became a priority.
I also see “time” covering up a lack of confidence around a task. Maybe you put off launching that podcast because you’re nervous that it’ll be unsuccessful. Or you “don’t have enough time” to work on your course because you’re afraid it won’t be a sold out success.
Look, this happens for many entrepreneurs. These are valid fears, however, not taking action means you never get to grow. You’re not alone in having this struggle around confidence but that doesn’t mean you get to avoid doing anything. You could ask yourself, “what happens if I never launch this podcast” or “what’s the guaranteed result of not creating this course” to give yourself some perspective here.
Also, when you ask yourself those types of questions, be sure to really zoom out and recognize that it doesn’t just mean “well, I don’t have a podcast!” — it means you don’t make the impact you want to make, it means you don’t get to pay off your kids college tuition by the time they're 10, it means you don’t get to travel the world, speak on stages, or write a book. Whatever is really deep in your “why”.... Yeah, you don’t get to do THAT if you don’t move forward. Heavy, I know — but hopefully also motivating to get yourself into gear.
Regardless of your deep-seated reasoning, I think we can agree that “time” isn’t really the issue. And to be honest, that’s why no productivity hack will work long term. You’re solving small problems, not real issues with that approach. If you could imagine an iceberg, you’re dealing with what’s above the water… and we all know there’s a whooooole lot more underneath the surface. Digging into THAT work is where transformation happens.
If you’re interested in learning more about what’s holding you back in your business so that you can take huge, epic steps forward, let’s connect about working together. Click here to learn more about my current availability and offers.
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Cheers to that!
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