Friday espresso: Do You Have “No Time” or You Don’t “Make Time”?

Oct 11, 2024 1:01 am

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Do You Have “No Time” or You Don’t “Make Time”?

How often do we find ourselves saying “I have no time” for things that matter most? Whether it’s nurturing our passions, engaging in self-care, or even pursuing long-term goals, time often feels like a constraint. We make time for meetings, deadlines, and obligations, but when was the last time we chose to make time for ourselves?

This realization came to life when I revisited a small art piece I created. It wasn’t completed in one go but was the result of 14 days of consistent effort, where I doodled just a small patch each day. During that period, I encountered the familiar “no time” excuse over and over, yet somehow managed to push through. As I did, a powerful lesson began to emerge—the space between “No Time” and “Make Time” is where transformation happens.

WHY We Struggle With "No Time" and "Make Time"

In our fast-paced world, the conflict between “No Time” and “Make Time” is more than just about time management. It’s about mindset. We’re often caught in a loop where our schedules are dictated by external demands, leaving little room for personal priorities.

When we fail to make time for the things we truly care about, it can result in Frustration & Stress, Loss of Creativity and also Erosion of Self-Trust

Understanding and actively managing this “No Time - Make Time” struggle is crucial for leading a balanced, purpose-driven life.

WHAT Does Making Time Look Like

Making time doesn’t always mean blocking out large chunks of your day. Instead, it’s about creating small, intentional pockets of time where you can focus on what matters, no matter how busy your schedule seems. For me, it was dedicating a few minutes daily to a 14-day art challenge. It wasn’t about the art itself, but about the habit of showing up every day, despite the internal resistance.

How to Navigate Between "No Time" and "Make Time"

Shifting from “No Time” to “Make Time” requires a blend of mindfulness, intentionality, and a willingness to challenge your current mindset. Here are a few strategies to help bridge the gap:

Recognize the dialogue: Pay attention to when the “no time” excuse creeps in. Awareness is the first step to breaking the cycle.
Start with micro-commitments: Choose a task that’s so small it almost seems trivial. It could be writing one sentence, doodling a tiny shape, or even sitting in silence for a minute. Focus on the process, not the outcome. The key is to be present and intentional, so these small habits become sources of joy rather than obligations.
Redefine what success looks like: Success doesn’t mean doing something big every day. It’s about consistency. Even when I didn’t feel like drawing during my art challenge, finishing a small patch was a victory. Shift your focus from quantity to quality of engagement. Whether it’s 10 minutes of reading, a quick sketch, or a 5-minute meditation, it’s about small, manageable commitments.

Set up mini-challenges for yourself, much like the 14-day art challenge I did. This gives you a structured way to practice overcoming the “no time” dialogue in a safe, low-stakes environment, making it easier to apply the same mindset to more significant commitments.

What lies between “No Time” and “Make Time” is a space where our habits, mindset, and resilience are shaped. It’s in that space where transformation happens—one small step at a time. For the things that truly matter, this is the battlefield we must step into again and again. So the next time you find yourself caught in the “no time” dialogue, pause and ask, “What is the minimum time I can give myself now?” That small shift in thinking can lead to profound changes over time.

Check out the progress of the drawing here 👀

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/koolily_change-art-atomichabits-activity-7247868372627972096-EfcG?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

That is today's espresso.

Keep the momentum, every sip counts!

Stay caffeinated & curious!

Koo Lily

l Founder of mq Training Coaching Consulting l

Leadership Coach l Change Facilitator l Speaker l

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