Making time for the big things in life
“You will never ‘find’ time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.”
Making time and space for the really big things in life is difficult. Why is it that there is always something else monopolising our time and attention, and preventing us from working towards what really matters? It can be hard to find the time (and energy) to prioritise the really big, important things. But it’s not impossible. Here are my top five tips for finding the time you need to work towards your goals and dreams:
1. Set aside a short time each day
This is the first - and perhaps most important - tip that I can offer anyone. Back in 2020, I set myself the challenge to write for 10 minutes every day. I wasn't prescriptive about what to write - some days I just journaled, scrawled notes or wrote about my thoughts and feelings. But every day, without fail, I wrote for 10 minutes, which was my way of committing to something that mattered to me. It may have taken me a few years, but I recently completed my first manuscript. Which is proof that finding that little bit of time - even in bite-sized chunks - can be enough to achieve your goals (or at least to point you in the right direction).
2. Create a space where you can focus and distance yourself from distractions
I’ve talked before about the importance of taking control of your space and
creating a physical environment where you feel comfortable, where your creative juices are stimulated. For me, this is rarely sitting at a desk! I usually prefer a comfy chair, with my phone on Do Not Disturb, a pot of coffee at the ready and slippers on, because I’m at my best when I’m nourishing and nurturing my central nervous system. On a few occasions, I’ve been known to escape to a tiny studio less than 30 minutes from my old house, with a huge table and fabulous views across the valley. Being able to fully immerse myself in the writing process is something that I value greatly, and it’s usually when I’m at my most productive.
3. Make sure your goals are realistic
Setting yourself a goal is a great way to start working towards something, but be careful not to overestimate what you can fit into your usual routine; if you do, you may become disillusioned and abandon your plans. If you have a fitness goal then you could begin with 1,000 steps a day, or if, like me, you want to write, then start with just ten minutes a day. Even baby steps can make a difference, because each step, however small, will bring you closer to your goal. In time, you can try to find larger chunks of time to dedicate to your project, but start small.
4. Focus on the bigger picture
By immersing yourself in something fully and staying in the space and mindset of that project, you’ll find the clarity, ideas and thoughts you need to move forward towards your dream. It’s not always easy, but I get my best work done when I’m able to carve out enough time to throw myself into something completely.
5. Prioritise your dreams
If there's something really big that you want to do, then you need to start by working out how to somehow fit it into your life. Think about whether the ‘little and often’ approach will work for you, or whether you need to find that big chunk of time to immerse yourself fully in your project, then do whatever you need to make it happen!
Sometimes, if we're stalling, procrastinating, or simply struggling to find time for the things that matter to us, we can forget that we have choices. Think about what really matters - what you’d really like to achieve - and choose to priotitise it. I know that it can be really challenging. But it’s absolutely worth it.
