How “I Didn’t Have Time” Is the Most Pervasive Excuse of All

Learn to tell the difference between a reason and an excuse

--From Ali Hall

If it’s important to you, you will do it. Anyone who utters “I didn’t have time” is owning up to having no time management skills and an inability to prioritize.

Sounds harsh, doesn’t it?

The truth is we make time for things we are passionate about. We find time for the people we care about.

And for everything else, we leave it at the bottom of our list, apathetic about whether we get around to it and ready to pull out the old excuse card of “I ran out of time” as if we have no control over how we live our lives.

I understand we all have different lifestyles and skill levels when it comes to time management. Life gets in the way sometimes. Sure, there will be times when we don’t tick off everything on our to-do list. But rather than using the passive excuse of “I didn’t have time,” which is wishy-washy victim speak. Let’s own it!

“It wasn’t a priority for me” is strong, assertive, and decisive. This is a reason, not an excuse. It’s honest and open and leaves no room for argument. We either make something a priority or we don’t.

Excuses are for passengers of life. Reasons are for those behind the steering wheel navigating their own destiny.

We are surrounded by people who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. They are full of dreams and aspirations but have no follow-through. They surrender themselves to excuses as soon as they are required to dance with discomfort.

There’s the person who says they will get fit and lose weight. And each time you meet up with them, their progress is zilch because they’ve been “too busy.”

There are two 5 o’clocks of day!

Then there’s the person who has grand plans to write a book. They talk about this frequently but never devote time to realizing this dream. Because you know — they don’t have time.

It’s ironic how we seem to have the time to talk about our dreams, but our time evaporates when it comes to taking action.

If it’s important to us, we will find a way! If this means getting up early or missing out on a night out, then so be it.

Ask yourself what you are willing to sacrifice to accomplish your dreams. If you aren’t willing to sacrifice anything, then your dream becomes the sacrifice!

Own your priorities
We have a choice. We can either make time and prioritize the things and people that matter to us. Or we can own up to the fact that something or someone isn’t a priority.

Whatever we do, let’s cut out the “I didn’t have time” BS and replace it with “It wasn’t a priority to me.”

If it’s important to us, we will find a way. If we pretend it is important, our lack of authenticity shows up with excuses.