Finding time, taking time and making time are totally different ideas directed by totally different values, priorities and mindset. We’ve all heard “I’m so busy, I don’t have the time.” I have no doubt each of us has felt that way at some point. We are all given the same 7 days in a week, 24 hours in a day and 525,600 minutes in a year. How your time gets used is in your hands.

Many of us work 8, 10 or 12+ hour days. Yes, the income is essential. But we are also meant to have a life, to share our life and to serve in life. I don’t know about you, but I want a joyful, fulfilled life. I’m in the driver’s seat and I get to choose. I live by my own priorities, but it wasn’t always that way! Let me explain…

• Finding time is a great excuse when we are short on time and it’s something we really don’t want to do. We try to fit it in – like trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. Sometimes we become resentful. It may mean an extra project you really don’t want to do, going out with a “friend” who isn’t really a priority or even getting to the gym! I recently had someone ask me how I find time to go to the gym most days while running a successful company. My response, it’s a priority and I make the time! I had another person respond they were trying to “find” the time to schedule a lunch. There is nothing to “find”. You either make time or you don’t. It’s either a priority or it’s not. That boundary is up to you.
• Making time is the opposite. It’s when we are in control and deciding where we want to use our time. It’s deciding what is most important to us and then carving out the time – literally blocking it out on our calendar. It’s making time for what is most important to us, our top priorities, and spending time doing things and seeing people that fill us up. This goes for business, health, relationships and more. I make time in my week for my business tasks, family and friends, exercise and so on. I actually block it out – making the time because those are my priorities. Which then leaves me time with which to play or handle the unexpected.
• Then there is taking time. For me, this is when I simply have to throw everything out the window, get up from my desk, and take the time for myself no matter what. At that point, it’s all about me and my need to stop everything and get away. I’m taking – not giving, not receiving, not finding or making it – just taking. Make sense? This is needed for a re-boot!

Yes, there are times you may have to find time for something or someone where you have no choice. But by purposefully making time for the things that matter most to you, the “finding” of time won’t be so difficult or cause resentment because your time “bucket” will already be filled up. Make time in your schedule now to review your time frames – and commit to living life on your terms!