Six Ways to Steal Back Your Time When it Doesn’t Exist

I don’t know many people in my sphere that have loads of time.

Time is a very precious commodity that we’re all struggling to maintain every single day.

Hours, days, months and minutes seem to float by without realisation.

March has fallen upon us now, and It’s probably the first time in a couple of years that I realised that I took full advantage of every single day.

Sure, some days or weeks flew by due to illness or a very big project/s at work.

But overall, so far, I’ve made the conscious awareness to become super grateful for the limited resource called time.

Part of my learnings stems from the journey I took last year with my mother, who eventually passed away from Pancreatic cancer.

Most of last year was taken up with doctors’ appointments procedures, spending endless time in hospital when mum was gravely ill, and then squeezing every single second I could spend with her.

I took advantage of the time I had with her as much as possible, despite seeing her suffer horrifically throughout it.

As a daughter, I was privileged to be of service to her in that time of need.

I spent those months showing gratitude for the small things I experienced every day — such as hearing her voice and laughing with her.

Now, in 2022, it’s time to apply those time factor learnings and make the most of the life I have left.

The same should apply to you.

No one will ever give you more time, so here are some conscious decisions and strategies I have implemented to steal back more time.

No one will do this for you, and using the analogy of working out to build muscle or lose weight, is more than appropriate here.

It takes time and effort to watch your nutritional intake, exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle.

You must apply your attention to this to change your body and health. In this instance, we’re using the same principles towards time.

One: Learn to say no instant happiness

I have said no to buying a lot of things now.

I choose not to buy stupid shit I don’t need or will never use, just because I want instant gratification.

Why waste your time searching for things to buy? Whilst spending money, you should be saving for something a lot more critical.

We waste too much time and money on things we don’t need.

Shopping malls put us in the mode to spend, even though we didn’t go there to spend a lot of money.

I cannot help but go into a supermarket to buy a few things and resort to hundreds of dollars worth of goods that I don’t even use.

That’s a massive waste of resources as well as polluting our planet.

So, only buy what you need and don’t use shopping as a means of bringing instant happiness.

Don’t waste your time without an intention without purpose.

That could be a couple of hours spent doing something productive or playing with your kids.

Two: As your self an important question every day

Every time I face something, I ask myself the following question:

“ Will this help me get towards my purpose in life, or will it hinder it?”

Decisions include going out, the food and drink I consume, as well as the people I connect with.

If it’s not helping me move towards my dream and harming my inner wellbeing — I say no.

I used to feel guilty about this because many people might assume that we’re obligated to do many things for our kids and family as a woman. But I don’t think this is necessary.

For instance, kids and partners can help with various things, like thinking for themselves, preparing lunches and finding lost socks!

Although this is silly, you will be surprised just how much shit your family makes you do because they don’t want to use their brain!

Same at work, if someone else can do it themselves — direct them to the resource and have them do it!

Don’t let people push you around!

Your time and rescues are precious. Instead, save some energy for your life purpose.

Three: Get support from those who are around you

I hate asking people for help, even though pretty much everyone comes to me for the answers or support in a creative project.

But I put my ego aside and asked for help — because I don’t know everything and want to win in my field.

Many people know more and will be most gracious in helping you with any challenges.

I’m studying IT now, and a lot of the concepts are foreign and basically out of my league.

Being a creative person, I assumed that my technical knowledge would help — but it’s so tiny compared to what I must learn.

We can only learn by studying, applying those learnings and asking questions.

I sat with a colleague for an hour, asking them about a case study I’m to hand in a few weeks from now.

It was a relief to go through the questions and get inside information. It was beneficial.

I’m grateful I work with people who are kind enough to help — despite being busy.

So, ask for help, and help them back when you can. There is no shame in declaring you don’t know everything — as they do not either!

We’re all on the planet to learn and expand as we progress.

Four: Do your best to stick to the plan, but realise it may not happen every day

I have a strict schedule, but some things may take longer than expected.

Things happen, and we can only make a “guestimate assumption” for a particular week.

Then, we have to leave it up to the gods and do our best.

Therefore, it’s essential not to be too hard on yourself when this happens.

I am used to absolutely NOTHING going to plan and just working it out as I go along.

You want to make this life journey as less stressful as possible.

I highlight just how lousy cortisol is for your health — and muscle building efforts in my other posts.

Well, cortisol in excess is not too good for your mental health either!

Do your best, expect the best but be ready for when the worst hits.

Five: Decide on your non-negotiable when it comes to your values

My non-negotiables are my daughter and health.

If something gets in the way of these precious things, I immediately take action.

If that means I have to change my schedule to fit something urgent into my day — I will do that.

For instance, when my child is sick, she’s having a hard time with something at school.

This is when I say goodbye to my schedule and focus on her.

Although this is obvious for a mum, maybe your partner or loved one is very important if you are childless.

Guilt should never enter the picture when it comes to your values.

Make them the highest priority in your life, and remember that nothing is more important to your heart than ensuring those you love are safe and without illness.

When my mum was sick, I decided to put everything aside and focus on her.

That was six months of my life, and my workplace supported my remote location — whether it was in the hospital or my mother’s home.

That was my life during this period, and I surrendered to it — without guilt and hurt.

It’s ok to say “NO” to work, commitments and other non-essential stuff that does not relate to your family and loved ones. That can wait — but love and heart projects cannot.

Regret is the worst form of illness — don’t live in that energy.

Key takeaways

Although this isn’t your regular time stealing strategy, I want to highlight having peace of mind as you go along.

You can shave time from this and that — but it all boils down to where you put your attention and is it directed to the things you value.

Sure, you can get up at all hours and stay up all night.

Sometimes you might need to do that.

But, if you stick with your values, eliminate guilt and surrender to your current situation whilst doing the very best you can — things will work out.

We could all take a leave out a book called faith — and start exercising some faith in our ability to cope and move past a challenge.

If you would like to express gratitude with coffee, send the love via this link.