The Common Excuse: “I Don’t Have Time”
Time—it’s the most common excuse for skipping exercise. But today, I’m going to share a big secret around not having a lot of time. And it’s pretty simple:
If you don’t have a lot of time, then don’t use a lot of time.
Yael’s Story: Finding Time for What Matters
Meet Yael, a member of our gym who leads an incredibly busy life. She works two jobs, takes care of a young family, does housework, cooks meals, washes clothes, volunteers, attends birthday parties—you name it, she’s doing it.
Sounds familiar, right?
Yael doesn’t have much time either, but she makes time. When I asked her for advice on incorporating exercise into a packed schedule, her response was powerful in its simplicity:
“It is hard to find the time, but if you find the time, it will make everything else easier. So it’s the best time spent on yourself, and even if it’s 20 minutes, find the time.”
That single shift—finding time to prioritize yourself—can make all the difference. When you make time for exercise, your energy goes up, you feel better, and you’re more productive. That 20 minutes of exercise can actually give you back hours of better-quality time for everything else in life.
The Time Myth: Are You Really That Busy?
Here’s something I’ve noticed: the people who say they don’t have time often have the most time. They have time to hit snooze multiple times in the morning, scroll through social media, post Instagram stories, and dine out frequently. It’s not about having time—it’s about prioritizing it.
As my dad always says, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”
The truth is, not having time is an excuse. It might feel like a real barrier, but if you can shift your mindset, you’ll see the difference. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier, wake up 30 minutes earlier, and knock out a workout in the morning. Be disciplined enough to step away from your laptop for a quick session during the day. Involve your spouse or kids—families that train together, stay together.
The key? You have to want it. A shift in mindset is all it takes to make exercise a priority.
4 Time Hacks to Get More Activity in Your Week
If you struggle with finding time to exercise, here are some simple hacks to make it easier:
- Start with One Session a Week: Pick a day, and block out the same time every week on your calendar. This consistency will help build a lasting habit. Once you start with one session, you’ll find it easier to add more.
- Shorten Your Workouts: You don’t need an hour at the gym. Just 20 focused minutes can be more effective than none. Prioritize quality over quantity.
- Combine Exercise with Entertainment: Listen to your favorite podcast, audiobook, or music playlist while you move. Time will pass quickly, and you’ll learn something new or enjoy some great tunes.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate your wins, big or small. Treat yourself to a healthy shake after your session, or get yourself a little something when you hit a streak—whether it’s a new handbag or a night out (no judgment!).
Remember: Motivation is doing something when you feel like it; Discipline is doing it regardless of how you feel. Forget about motivation—focus on building discipline.
Find Time for Yourself and Everything Else Gets Better
As Yael wisely said, “When you find time for yourself, everything else in life will be a whole lot better.” Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day, start finding that time. Your health, your happiness, and your overall well-being will thank you.
