Time vs Priority

It is such an easy thing to say: "I don't have time for that." But what does it really mean? We all have the same amount of time in a day, don't we? So why, then, does it seem that some people are getting more done? Have they figured something out that we haven't? Have they stumbled onto something that helps them be more organized, and more efficient with their time than the rest of us? Maybe... The more likely reason is that they have prioritized their day so that the most important things are getting done, and they are spending very little time (possibly NONE) on things that are not moving them closer to their goals. This is an important point: If you have not identified SMART goals for yourself, you will fall victim to spending time on things that are not helping you be a better person, sibling, friend, student, co-worker, parent, etc. Set a goal, and do something that moves you closer to it every day (prioritize).  The next time you hear yourself say, "I don't have time for that," ask yourself this question: Can I replace those words with, "That is not a priority for me right now"? If you can, then by all means, don't do it. Otherwise, change what you are doing to reach your goals and priorities. I remember my son asking me if we could go outside and play catch, and I told him I didn't have time right then. When I asked myself if I could replace that by saying, "Playing catch with you is not a priority to me right now," I realized that he WAS my priority over what I was allowing to get in the way. Say NO to the time consuming activities that are not helping you reach your goals. Stop wasting time on things that have no emotional return on investment. Do something that adds value to others, and adds value to you at the same time. Set your priorities today and every day!