The Misnomer of "I Don't Have The Time"

How often do you hear people say "I don't have the time?" And how often do we say it? We have the same 24 hours as everyone else. Why is it that some seem to achieve much more than others? Three quick observations...

• Prioritisation. Time is spent in direct proportion to what we value or what our priorities are. Understand your priorities and schedule your time and life accordingly.
• Waste. If we have a very clear understanding of what our key actions are for the day, and, plan how we spend our days, it will keep waste to a minimum. I meet with many people who easily get sidetracked onto things that don't really count.
• Meetings. Go into meetings with a planned agenda and deadline for the finish time. Communicate this to those you are meeting with and stick to it. One idea I've been a big proponent of (and clients of mine have practised with great success) are stand up meetings when the agenda is short. You will finish these in record time and as soon as you are done, start walking toward the door.

Saying "I don't have time" or "I've been too busy" are not valid reasons. Better to say 'it's not a priority so haven't got to it as yet."