Several readers caught my mistake in yesterday’s post. Instead of writing “meditate” I wrote “mediate”. Freudian slip? Subconscious lawyer mind echo? Nah, just a typo.
Coincidentally, I was reading an article today about meditation. It begins with the statement, “People say the hardest part about meditating is finding time to meditate.” The author points out that because meditation is seen as “doing nothing,” it’s hard for people to justify the time.
His point is that by understanding the benefits of meditation, which include making us more productive, we can then see the value of taking the time to do it.
This is true. It’s true of any activity. If there’s no perceived value in doing something, why bother?
So, when people say they don’t have the time to do something, or that they need to find the time to do it, aren’t they really saying they don’t see enough value relative to the time required for doing it?
Yes. (I like answering my own questions.)
In truth, we usually find time for the things that we value. We only say things like, “I don’t have the time,” when we are being asked to do something we don’t value, or don’t value enough.
True, we have obligations imposed upon us by work or family or school, but even then, you don’t have to “find the time” to do them. You do them because you see the value, i.e., the pleasure of doing something for someone you love, avoiding embarrassment, keeping your job, and so on.
So, if you find yourself saying or thinking you don’t have time to do something, before you try “to find the time” or feel guilty for not trying, ask yourself if what you are contemplating doing is really worth doing. Often, the answer will be no and you can let it go.
You don’t have to “find the time” to do things that are important to you. You just have to be honest enough with yourself so you know what is important.
If earning more is important to you, The Attorney Marketing Formula should be a priority.
I attempt to change, “I don’t have time to do that” to “It isn’t a priority for me to do that.” Prioritize = value of course. It can be humbling to really see what you prioritize or not. Example: “(Beloved family member): did you go for your yearly check-up?” Response, “I don’t have time to go to the doctor.” I ask for a rephrase, and family member says, “It is not a priority for me to go to the doctor.” Then you can get to the root of why something isn’t getting done!
Time works for money most of the time as well. “I don’t have the money to pay for insurance.”
You must not be married (LOL).
Seriously, this is a good way to gain clarity about our decisions. Re-phrase it.
Thanks, C.