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The Truth About Time and Why Priorities Are the Key to Success
One of the biggest cons we play on ourselves is that we don’t have enough time. Sometimes that may be true, but most of the time it’s an outright fallacy. Before I would accept a sizable, upfront fee from a potential coaching client, I would ask them what their three top life priorities were? Then I would ask them how their actions and time spent correlated to them. That conversation created a powerful coaching session in and of itself. Of course, if the person could not demonstrate sufficient commitment to addressing such a common issue, I would decline working with them. If you believe you struggle with not enough time, this is a topic I would encourage you to explore.
“I don’t have the time” is the most common excuse for not pursuing what matters to us—whether it is reading more, learning a new skill, starting a business, or spending quality time with loved ones. But deep down, we know that time is not the real issue. The reality is that everyone has the same twenty-four hours in a day. The difference lies in how we choose to use them.
The real issue is not a lack of time; it is a lack of priority. The people who seem to do it all—those who consistently follow through and achieve results—are not blessed with more hours in the day. They have simply mastered the art of prioritization. They know what matters and commit to it. The rest? It falls to the background.
Time Is Not the Problem
Let’s face it: time is never the real problem. Think about the last time you told yourself you “didn’t have the time” to do something important. Did you really lack time, or was it easier to push it aside in favor of something more immediate or less challenging? We often fill our days with distractions—social media, endless email threads, or binge-worthy shows—and then wonder where the hours went.
The truth is, the tasks we say we do not have time for are often the ones that feel uncomfortable or daunting. Reading a book that challenges your thinking, committing to daily exercise, or taking steps toward launching a business requires effort and focus. But when something truly matters to us—whether it is meeting a deadline or being there for a loved one—we find the time.
Why Priorities Make All the Difference
What separates those who take action from those who delay is not their schedule—it is their priorities. Priority is what drives action. It is what makes someone wake up early to work on their side hustle or choose a gym session over an extra hour of sleep. When something becomes a true priority, it naturally takes precedence over everything else.
As author Stephen Covey said, “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” People who achieve their goals do not let their days be dictated by urgency or convenience. They identify what matters most and protect their time fiercely.
How to Shift from Procrastination to Prioritization
The good news is that prioritization is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned and improved. Here are a few ways to make priorities work in your favor:
Start by getting clear on what truly matters to you. Is it improving your health, learning a new language, or building stronger relationships? Once you know your priorities, block time for them in your schedule. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable, just like you would a work meeting or doctor’s appointment.
It is also important to be honest with yourself about where your time is currently going. A quick audit of your daily activities can reveal whether you are spending hours on things that do not align with your goals. Once you see where your time is slipping away, you can make intentional choices to redirect it.
Finally, embrace the power of small steps. You do not need to dedicate hours every day to make progress. Even fifteen minutes spent reading, exercising, or planning can add up over time. The key is consistency.
Why Priorities Are the Foundation of Fulfillment
When you start living in alignment with your priorities, something incredible happens. You feel more in control, more focused, and more fulfilled. Life no longer feels like a constant juggling act because you are spending your energy on what truly matters.
Sure, there will still be obligations and distractions. But when you know your priorities, it becomes easier to say no to the things that do not serve you. Every “no” creates space for a more meaningful “yes.” That is the real power of prioritization—it allows you to build a life that reflects your values and aspirations.
Time Is Not the Issue. Priority Is the Key
Next time you catch yourself saying, “I don’t have the time,” pause and ask, “Is this really about time, or is it about priority?” Be honest with yourself. If something is truly important, make it a priority. Commit to it. Protect it. Watch how your results change when you stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start acting on what matters most.
As the author John C. Maxwell said, “You cannot overestimate the unimportance of practically everything.” When you focus on your priorities, you realize that many of the things stealing your time are not as important as they seemed. And that realization is the first step toward living with intention and achieving your goals.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon. Through 2025, all proceeds will be donated to charity.
