Prioritising Time Over Finding It: A Mindset Shift for Success

How often have you heard someone say, “I just need to find the time”? Maybe you’ve said it yourself - I know I have. It’s a common phrase that reflects how we approach our schedules, especially in business. But what if I said....finding time is an illusion?

We don’t have to go searching for time. Time is always there, in front of us, ticking away at a steady pace. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and no amount of searching will give us a minute more. So, why do we feel like we’re always short on time, scrambling to squeeze in the things that matter most?

The problem isn’t that we need to find more time. The problem is that we need to prioritise the time we already have.

Prioritising Time vs. Finding Time

When we think of time as something we need to find, it puts us in a passive mindset, almost as if we’re waiting for time to reveal itself or magically become available. But when we switch our thinking to prioritising time, we take back control. We become intentional about where and how we invest the time we already have.

Let’s break it down. The moment we decide to prioritise something, it becomes a non-negotiable. It moves to the top of our to-do list. We stop saying, “I’ll get to it when I find the time,” and instead say, “This is important, and I’ll make the time.” That’s the difference between finding and prioritising. One is passive; the other is active.

The Power of Prioritising

When you prioritise, you stop feeling like a victim of your schedule. You’re no longer at the mercy of “when I have time.” Instead, you become the architect of your day. You carve out time for what matters, even if it means saying no to something else. It might sound simple, but this shift in mindset can be life-changing.

Think about it: how many things in your life are you hoping to find time for? Is it your health and fitness? Your family? A business project you’ve been putting off? What if you flipped the script and decided to prioritise those things instead of waiting for the perfect moment to magically appear?

Prioritising helps you cut through the noise of busyness and focus on what truly moves the needle - whether in your business or personal life. When you make something a priority, it becomes non-negotiable. It goes into your schedule, and you find a way to make it happen.

How to Prioritise Like a Pro

1. Get Clear on Your Goals: What’s most important to you right now? Whether it’s launching a new product, spending more time with family, or focusing on your wellbeing, clarity is the first step to prioritising effectively.

   
   

2. Be Honest About Your Time: We all have the same amount of time, but we don’t all use it the same way. Track your time for a few days, and you might be surprised to find where it’s going. Are you spending hours on tasks that don’t align with your goals? If so, it’s time to reassess.

   
   

3. Say No to Make Room for Yes: Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. When you prioritise, you may need to let go of low-value activities that don’t serve your goals. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential.

   
   

4. Schedule Your Priorities: Don’t just keep your priorities in your head - put them in your calendar. Treat them like appointments you can’t miss. This way, your time is intentionally allocated to the things that matter most.

   
   

5. Protect Your Time: Once you’ve prioritised, defend that time fiercely. Avoid distractions, set boundaries, and stick to the schedule you’ve set for yourself.

   
   

The Ripple Effect

The beauty of prioritising time is that it creates a ripple effect. Once you start consciously deciding how to use your time, you’ll notice that you do start finding time - not because it was hiding from you, but because you’re no longer letting unimportant tasks and distractions fill your day.

You’ll have more time for the things that really matter, and you’ll start seeing progress in areas you’ve been stuck in for too long. You’ll feel less stressed, more in control, and more accomplished at the end of each day.

Final Thoughts

Shifting from finding time to prioritising time is a powerful mindset change. It’s about taking control of the hours in your day and directing them toward your goals and values. Time doesn’t just happen to us - we choose how to use it.

So, what will you prioritise today? If you stop waiting for the perfect moment to come and start prioritising the things that matter most, you’ll realise that the time has been there all along, just waiting for you to take it.

If you’re ready to start prioritising your time and make real progress, I’d love to hear what’s first on your list!