It’s likely that most of you have heard the phrase “time is of the essence.” This quote, applicable to many facets of everyday life, stresses the importance of meeting an imperative, non-negotiable deadline.
Whether it’s paying the monthly rent for your apartment or submitting a time-sensitive report at work, we all deal with due dates regularly. We don’t entertain the idea of missing them (or at least we shouldn’t), because we know that there are repercussions if we do.
However, although most of us would prefer not to admit it, we often use our regular obligations as an excuse to refrain from pushing ourselves. For instance: “I want to start exercising every day, but I just have SO much going on at work right now.” Or, “Wow, I should really catch up with some of my friends from college. But grad school just takes up so much of my time!”
Obviously, we all wish that we had more space in our lives to squeeze in the good stuff. That being said, you CAN make time for what you truly want to make time for. Not convinced? Read on.
1. You’re attempting to justify your laziness.
Harsh, but true. When you convince yourself that you’re super “slammed” during a particular week, it gives you a reason to defend certain not-so-healthy behaviors. Here’s the (shitty) truth: your false sense of productivity in certain areas does not cancel out your laziness in others.
Exhibit A:
“I ate McDonalds all week, but that’s because I just didn’t have time to cook!”
... Lol.
2. You’re miserable, but not taking responsibility for aspects you have control over.
Maybe you’re feeling sorry for yourself because you’re lonely and desperately longing for a solid, healthy relationship. Maybe you’re depressed because you’re working a dead-end job that’s slowly but surely crushing your soul.
Whatever it is, complaining isn’t going to get you there any quicker. Stop saying you “just don’t have time to date”, or you’re “way too busy to apply for jobs”.
It all comes down to making things a priority - and if you don’t, it’s time to stop blaming “the universe”, and start blaming yourself.
3. You’re perceiving reaching a personal goal as “another chore on the list”.
Don’t just check your priorities - check your perspective too. Be cognizant of when you’re grouping a personal endeavor with your daily obligations - you may do it more than you realize.
When many people reflect on their hectic schedules, they ultimately end up classifying their aspirations as an “added stressor.” However, if it’s something you’re passionate about, working toward it won’t be another hassle - and here’s when “time is of the essence” may just start to make a little more sense.
