You've likely heard it said that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. But why does it feel that some people are able to "fit it all in" and others seem to struggle to check all of the boxes?
Regardless of how busy you believe or feel you are or how packed your schedule seems, there is always someone who has more tasks to handle and is still managing to prioritize them. It all comes down to the decision that you make! That decision can include getting rid of unnecessary tasks and simplifying your to-do list to ensure that you are living the life that aligns with your priorities.
What if we replaced “I don’t have time” with “It’s not a priority”?
“Instead of saying “I don’t have time” try saying “it’s not a priority,” and see how that feels. Often, that’s a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, I just don’t want to. But other things are harder. Try it: “I’m not going to edit your résumé, sweetie, because it’s not a priority.” “I don’t go to the doctor because my health is not a priority.” If these phrases don’t sit well, that’s the point. Changing our language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don’t like how we’re spending an hour, we can choose differently.” --Laura Vanderkam
Take 10 minutes to reflect on your priorities. Consider all your daily activities, including playing Candy Crush, scrolling through social media, watching TV or movies. These activities are fine as long as they align with your priorities!
Try this experiment: for an entire day, whenever you feel the urge to say (or think) “I just don’t have time for that”, replace it with “It’s not a priority” instead. Notice any immediate changes? Perhaps nothing changes at all, indicating that the task in question is not a priority. In that case, you can mentally set it aside to address later, if and when you choose to do so.
However, what if that task is actually a priority for you? How does this shift in perspective impact your mindset? For instance, someone might believe they lack time to spend with their children. But reframing it as “playing with my kids is not a priority” can significantly alter the significance of the activity. This mindset shift can also be applied to health-related behaviors.
Some individuals have expressed a strong desire to make a positive change for their health, yet claim to lack the time to focus on the steps needed to improve it. The truth is, you can always make time for the things that truly matter in your life. When someone claims they are unable to dedicate 30 minutes, 6 days a week to prioritize their health, it indicates that health is not a priority for them: "going to the gym to improve my health is not a priority" or "eating well is not a priority". That changes things a bit, doesn't it?
Whether I'm coaching fitness or nutrition, this is a common discussion I often have. People are not malicious. They are not intentionally sabotaging themselves. However, some individuals require assistance in prioritizing. Society tends to prioritize quick fixes and instant gratification. But what about the rewards of good old-fashioned hard work? Maintaining discipline towards achieving something you have always desired. Most of you can recall experiencing that sense of achievement at some point in your life. Whether it was through youth athletics or completing a Master's degree for a job promotion. At some stage, many of us have dedicated the time and effort needed to reach a desired goal.
Why do we struggle to apply this concept to our health? Why do we work out one day and expect instant results? When did exercise become our lowest priority? When did people start associating healthy eating with being costly and unappetizing? (Salads only? Leaving out entire food groups? Eating the same 3 things every day? No thanks!)
In my role as a coach, I frequently discuss the importance of mindset with my clients, including athletes. This involves strategies for overcoming challenging workouts, managing stress effectively, and staying consistent with meal preparation each weekend. Ultimately, achieving our goals often requires a shift in mindset, which essentially means forming new habits.
Here is my challenge for you regarding your perspective on your health, life, and objectives. It is beneficial to thoroughly assess these aspects before embracing new habits. What holds the most significance for you? What are your main priorities? Compile a list of the top ten priorities in your life. I trust that health, in some aspect, is included in this list because by looking after ourselves, we can effectively support others to the fullest extent.
Notice what came out in your list. Stare at the list and let it sink in. Then I want you to circle the items that you often “don’t have time for”.
Next, I want you to repeat this sentence with each of the items you have circled. “[insert item] is/are not a priority for me”. For example, if "friends" were on your list and you often don’t have time for them, you would say, “Friends are not a priority for me.”.
What happened deep down when you said that? Maybe nothing changed. Maybe everything changed. Some deep emotion that sparked because it made you realize, that of course that item is a priority, how could I say that?!
Did this mindset exercise have an impact on you? Did you experience any changes? Did any new priorities emerge? Life extends beyond mere time; it's about how we utilize it and the standard of our utilization. I engage in exercise to ensure that I can enjoy more fulfilling, productive, and relaxed moments with my loved ones. (And, let's be honest, to experience a sense of achievement. It's perfectly fine to desire something solely for yourself without feeling selfish.)
Which kind of healthy habit could free up more time for you to spend with the individuals or activities that matter most to you?
All content of this blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this blog.
Kelly Sherman, MS, NC, CGP, CPT, is a licensed nutritionist specializing in empowering women to reclaim their health by cutting through misinformation and ditching the diet culture. She has a master’s degree in nutrition and is degreed in exercise science as well as a certified personal trainer. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she combines the best of both nutrition and exercise sciences to best help her clients reach their potential. To nourish is to flourish!
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