NicoleWhat’s the one thing you want to do but never seem to have time for?
Over the years I’ve spoken with a lot of endurance athletes (and non-endurance athletes), and it’s common to hear…”Well, I want this to happen, but I just don’t have the time.”
For example – you might hear yourself say:
I want to eat better, but I don’t have time to cook.
or
I know I need to foam roll and stretch more, but I don’t have time.
Or maybe you want to write a book, learn a new language, or tackle your first triathlon.
Have you ever asked yourself how bad you really want it?
Really…think about it. How important is this thing for which you don’t have time? Is it really on the top of your list of things that you want to accomplish or a key component that will get you to your top goal? If so, then figure out how to get it done. If it’s not, then don’t worry about it and get it off your goal list.
Isn’t it true that in a crisis time, we tend to get the critical things done? The not-so-important stuff is set aside, and more often than not, the world around us doesn’t fall apart.
If the thing you just don’t have time for is really just about building a habit, then start small and work to maximize productivity.
For example, if you want to eat better, start by making one crockpot meal a week that will make several servings. Cooking meals in batches and separating it into serving size portions is a great way to find more time to cook. You can also buy your veggies and cut them up all at once to store for the week. Then it’s just grab and go.
Make a list of the most important things for you to do to get you to your goals. Then get those things done first in your day or week. While scanning your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds are entertaining, and there might be some gems out there, how important is that to accomplishing your main goal?
Unplugging is often a very quick and easy way to improve productivity as it removes many, many unimportant distractions!
If you are doing something, ask yourself if it is a key component to your goal, whether that is a work, family, or fitness goal. If it’s not, work on something that is.
If you are having trouble figuring out where you can “find more time,” Consider keeping a time log to find out how often you really are checking Facebook during the day. It’ll be tedious at first, but could open up that 30 minutes you need to get in that strength training workout.
So the next time you’re thinking, “Wow – I really want that but just don’t have the time,” ask yourself, “How bad do I really want it?”
Because if you really do want it, you really do have the time.
Nicole
