Time Is A Choice

By laura vanderkam • December 29, 2016

Instead of saying "I don't have time" try saying "it's not a priority" and see how that feels. Often that's a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, I just don't want to. But other things are harder. Try it:

"I'm not going to edit your resume, sweetie, because it's not a priority."

"I don't go to the doctor because my health is not a priority."

If these phrases don't sit well, that's the point. Changing our language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don't like how we're spending an hour, we can choose differently.

PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY SHARE YOUR STORY

Many readers told us they started writing down the small positives in their day, and this gratitude journal became a favorite. While others use these kindness cards for kids to help teach them compassion, empathy and encouragement.

feel good videoHis Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life

feel good storiesA Couple Invited A Homeless Man In On Christmas — And He Never Left

feel good storiesMan Marks 11th Straight Christmas As The Last Unmarried Member Of His Family

feel good storiesTeacher’s Simple Strategy Is Changing The Lives Of So-Called ‘Troublemaker’ Students

feel good storiesThree Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million

feel good stories'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner

feel good videoHis Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life

feel good videoBrother Uses ALL His School Reward Money To Surprise Sister On Christmas

feel good video104-Year-Old WWII Veteran Brings The House Down With National Anthem On Saxophone

feel good videoFirst Responders Use Olive Oil To Rescue Squirrel Trapped In Dumpster

feel good videoWatch The Moment This Dog Is Rescued From Dog Fighting