Not Having Enough Time Is Not the Issue

Time Management is About Choices, Not Time

So many of us say, “I just don’t have enough time.” But if we pause and look deeper, the problem isn’t the hours in the day. The real challenge is how we manage our priorities and our focus. Every single one of us gets the same 24 hours in a day. Time is fixed, but how we use it is flexible. What often holds us back isn’t the shortage of hours but the lack of clarity on what matters most. In today’s blog post, I am sharing time management tips for the mom who feels overwhelmed and out of time.

“I Just Don’t Have Enough Time”

I always tell people that when I don’t have time, I make time. No one has he ability to make time, but we can adjust plans, prioritize, and protect the time we already have.

Here’s a quick video with practical tips and insights on how to manage not having “enough time”…

5 Ways to Shift from Time Scarcity to Time Clarity

1) Identify Your Top Three Priorities Each Week

These are your big bucket goals for the week. They can also be a strategic focus. As of this blog post, I am knee deep in back-to-school activities. Two of my top three priorities are centered around getting my children ready for back to school. Around the Holidays, my focus may be on festive activities and related event prep. I share this to say your top three priorities should be relevant to what is going on in the moment. Say no to what is not.

2) Use Time Blocks to Structure Your Day

I talk frequently about the importance of time blocks. That is because they really do add structure to your day. If time blocks are not your thing, try task timing. For example, sit down to do a task and challenge yourself to finish by a certain time or in a certain amount of time. Practically put, say you want to clear out your emails. Set a timer for 20 minutes and when the timer goes off, end the task. You can find other time block examples in prior planning blog post.

Welcome

3) Build In Margins, Not Just Tasks

I’m sure you are familiar with the concept of margin of error. Statistically, it is related to random sampling error in the dataset. It helps determine the reliability and precision of the data. When planning or managing our time, there will be outliers in a typical day. For example, things that come up, things that take longer than anticipated, and etc. Leaving room for error helps you handle the unexpected without feeling like your whole day is ruined.

4) Don’t be Afraid to Say “No” to Things that Don’t Fit Within the Priorities

Every “yes” is a tradeoff. Learn to protect your time by declining commitments that don’t align with what is needed in the moment.

5) End the Week with Reflection

Take 10 minutes on Sunday to review what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to carry forward. Reflection fuels smarter planning.

Tips for Managing Time and Choices

The commitments we make in our lives are frequently influenced by personal choice. While there are certain responsibilities that we are required to fulfill, like maintaining our health, ensuring our safety, caring for our well-being, and attending to basic provisions, we are still able to make decisions regarding the specifics of these obligations. For example, we have the flexibility to choose when to engage in them, where to execute them, and even how to approach them. For instance, you can schedule medical appointments based on convenience and choose the environment that feels most comfortable when engaging in wellness activities.

The choices that we make on the fly reflect our time management abilities. Also, the ability to choose productivity over busyness and distractions is a skill that sets highly effective people apart. It’s not something I always get right; however, it’s something I am consciously aware of doing better. Practically, this means intentionally deciding to focus on tasks that move me closer to my goals rather than getting caught up in urgent but less meaningful tasks.

To Wrap It Up

Effective time management is about making choices as we plan and in the moment. At times, it can feel like we don’t have enough time. In those moments, I encourage you to review where your current priorities lie and compare them to your current plans. Instead of saying “I don’t have time,” it’s more empowering to ask, “What am I prioritizing right now?” That shift creates room for better decision-making and better days ahead.

Happy Planning, Y’all!