Thoughts on Dealing with a Time Desert

I want to talk about time today. Specifically, issues that are often connected to what I see described as anything from living in a time desert to being time poor. I’m going to be respectful of your time and go quickly on this topic. That means bullet points.

• Over 80% of working Americans say they feel time poor. Too much to do and not enough time to do them.

• People who report they feel they have less time are shown to be less happy and have more anxiety than those who feel a sense of time abundance.

•  It is often said we have less time than previous generations, but studies show this is a fallacy.

• Interestingly, as incomes rise around the world, so do the feelings about not having enough time.

• This can be explained by as resources feel scarce they become more valuable. And when we are worth more this scarce resource of time becomes more valuable.

• Prioritizing time is hard! There is no way to sugarcoat this.

• An example of dealing with this is a change in the workplace. We have seen reports of an increase in resignations the last few years. A driving factor when diving into why is workers seeking a better balance.

• Speaking of setting priorities. Those who feel better about their time put time before money.

• Below are a few other ways to deal with living in a time desert:

1. Saying No more often. Personally, I live in a world where if it isn’t 100% Yes, then it is No.
2. Do your best to align your values and actions.
3. Feel free to spend money on those things you don’t value and that free up time. Whether it is hiring a cleaner, lawn service, or paying someone to wash your car (again, this is me). Spending as little as $40 can improve your feelings about time.
4. Avoid procrastination. Studies show worries of time can lead to procrastination, which can consume more time.
5. Use your time off from work. No more ending the year with unused vacation time going down the toilet.  
6. Keep lists of things you can do when you do find some free time. So, if you find 15 free minutes during the day, maybe it is worth a text to a friend vs doomscrolling on social media (I’m guilty of this).

My final thought with this. Getting out of a time desert is like eating an elephant - one bite at a time. The point is to try little changes. And after a period of time (no pun intended), look back and you will hopefully be shocked with your progress.