I Don't Have Time

Hello Friends!

How often have we caught ourselves or others saying, “I don’t have time”? It’s a common phrase, usually uttered with a hint of frustration, as if time itself is the enemy. But is this really about time, or is it masking a deeper issue? More often than not, the problem isn’t time — it’s how we manage our priorities and confidence in our ability to handle them. In today’s issue of Confidence Weekly, we’re breaking down why “I don’t have time” is just another excuse, what it says about our confidence, and how to shift our mindset and habits to get more out of each day.

The Time Illusion

When we say we don't have time, we're often deceiving ourselves. A study by Acuity Training found that 82% of people don't have a time management system in place. This lack of structure can lead to a false perception of time scarcity. In reality, the average worker spends 51% of their workday on tasks of little to no value. This suggests that time isn't the real issue - it's how we choose to use it.

When people say they “don’t have time,” they often mean they feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what needs to be done. Studies back this up: research by Harvard Business Review found that those who lack clear prioritization or goals experience “time poverty” more acutely, regardless of actual time constraints. In other words, even though everyone has the same 24 hours, those without a clear path feel they’re lacking time the most.

The Confidence Connection

Saying “I don’t have time” is often a symptom of an underlying lack of confidence, acting as a smokescreen for deeper insecurities

1. Fear of Failure 
2. Lack of Prioritization Skills
3. Imposter Syndrome
4. Avoidance of Accountability

Research shows that 90% of people believe better time management will increase their productivity. This belief indicates that deep down, we know time isn't the real obstacle - our approach to it is.

How To Manage Time With Confidence

To overcome the "I don't have time" mindset, try these confidence-boosting strategies:

1. Define Priorities: When you set clear goals and block specific time for high-priority tasks, you create momentum
2. Time Blocks: Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, advocates for time blocking, a method where you set aside fixed hours for specific tasks without distractions. This strategy creates structure and confidence because it reinforces a sense of control over your time.
3. Take Action Despite Imperfection: Confidence grows through consistent, imperfect action. Brené Brown, a research professor and author, encourages people to “dare greatly” — to take risks and embrace vulnerability. By taking action even when uncertain or imperfect, you’ll gain confidence and develop resilience.
4. Time Audit: Track your activities for a week. You might be surprised to find pockets of time you didn't realize you had. The average employee is only productive for 2 hours and 53 minutes each day, suggesting there's room for improvement.

I'll Make Time

If you often find yourself saying, “I don’t have time,” try reframing it as “I’ll make time.” This slight adjustment reinforces ownership and commitment. When you believe you have the power to make time, it becomes a matter of priorities rather than an impossible constraint.

Developing a confident time-management mindset isn’t about cramming more into your day; it’s about making conscious choices. With each intentional decision, you’ll build the self-assurance that time is not your enemy—it’s your asset.

Parting Words

Remember, "I don't have time" is often just an excuse that masks a lack of confidence. By recognizing this and taking steps to manage your time more effectively, you're not just freeing up hours in your day - you're building the confidence to tackle bigger challenges and seize new opportunities.

As author H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, "Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein."

Approach your time with the confidence of someone who knows their priorities, values progress over perfection, and is unafraid to say no when necessary. 

Thought Of The Week

A weekly thought to meditate, ruminate, and/or ponder on:

"Lost time is never found again."

- Benjamin Franklin

If you are interested in improving your speaking, communication skills and confidence, schedule a call with me or learn more about communication coaching here.