Ever feel like your day has been hijacked before you’ve even had your morning coffee? You
wake up with every intention of working on that personal project, getting to the gym, or simply enjoying some quiet time. But before you know it, the demands of the day—emails, errands, family obligations—have taken over, leaving your own priorities pushed to the bottom of the list.
Here’s the truth: if you don’t actively carve out time for yourself and your goals, life will gladly fill that time for you.
Time: Your Most Precious Resource
Time is a limited resource, and unlike money or
possessions, you can’t make more of it. If you’re not intentional about how you spend it, others will decide for you.
Whether it’s a coworker asking for help on a project, a family member needing a favor, or social media subtly eating away at your hours, your time
can easily slip away. Taking control of your time isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
How It Gets Taken
People-Pleasing: Saying yes to every request might
feel good in the moment, but it often leads to burnout. If you’re constantly prioritizing others’ needs over your own, your goals will sit untouched.
Distractions: Endless notifications, social media scrolling, and binge-watching TV shows might feel like relaxation, but they often take time away from meaningful
pursuits.
Procrastination: Without a clear plan, it’s easy to push your goals to "tomorrow." The problem? Tomorrow rarely comes for personal goals unless you actively make it happen.
Protecting Your Time and Goals
If you don’t protect your time, you’ll never achieve the things that truly matter to you. Here are some practical steps to help you reclaim it:
1. Set Boundaries: Start
saying no to requests that don’t align with your priorities. It's okay to let someone know you can't take on another commitment right now.
2. Schedule It: Treat your personal goals like appointments. Whether it’s 30 minutes for reading, an hour to work on a passion project, or a weekly gym session, block out the time and honor
it.
3. Eliminate Time-Wasters: Identify what’s draining your time. Do you check your phone every few minutes? Spend too long deciding what to cook for dinner? Simplify or eliminate these distractions.
4. Communicate Your Needs: Let family and friends know you’re setting aside time for yourself. They’ll respect your goals if you make them clear.
5. Start Small: Overhauling your schedule all at once can be overwhelming. Instead, carve out 10–15 minutes each day for a goal or
activity that’s meaningful to you.
The Cost of Not Prioritizing Yourself
When you constantly let others—or distractions—dictate how you spend your time, you’re left feeling frustrated, unfulfilled, and often resentful. Your dreams and
goals deserve attention, and the only way to achieve them is by putting them first.
