What happens when you don't have time?

What do people hear when you tell them, I didn’t have time? It is a phrase most of us casually use to defend why we did not do something. But should we? What do people hear when you say, I didn’t have time?

• It wasn’t important to me.
• You can’t manage your time.
• You are unorganized.
• You don’t prioritize.
• You make excuses.
• You are not dependable.
• You are not important to me.

Those are pretty harsh thoughts! So, avoid saying, “I didn’t have time”! It is better to respectfully decline a request immediately rather than accept it only to disappoint someone later.

One primary thing that separates successful people from people who struggle is how they use their time. Successful people are productive, not busy. Successful people have mastered the science of prioritization. We all have the same 24 hours a day. People who thrive break their tasks into two criteria – Importance and Urgency and plan their day accordingly. They use calendars to schedule tasks and leave time open for unexpected urgent tasks. And what do people see when this happens?

• A dependable person
• Someone they want on their team
• A person they can trust
• Good time management skills
• A good delegator
• Someone who can multitask
• A problem solver

Which list describes you? Who would you choose to lead you? From whom would you prefer to buy?

So, start now! Prioritize your time. “Either you run the day or the day runs you!” (Jim Rohn)

For help and ideas on how to prioritize your time, make joining our Managing Time and Priorities workshop a priority.