Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I just don’t have time”? It seems harmless, even logical, in our fast-paced lives. But this statement carries a subtle, disempowering belief: that time controls you, not the other way around. Recognising this mindset is the first step toward transforming your perspective and reclaiming control of your life.
In Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), this mindset is called being at effect—blaming external circumstances for your lack of progress or success. When you say, “I don’t have time,” you’re essentially blaming time itself, as though it’s a finite resource you don’t have enough of. Yet, every person on Earth has the same 24 hours each day. What sets successful people apart isn’t more time, but a different mindset.
A Growth Mindset Shift
To move from at effect to at cause—taking responsibility for your actions and outcomes—you can reframe your language:
- “I didn’t have time” → “It wasn’t a priority for me.”
- “I don’t have time” → “I’ve overcommitted” or “It’s not a priority for me.”
This subtle shift forces you to take ownership of your choices. Rather than being a victim of time, you acknowledge your role in setting priorities. With this mindset, you open the door to change, growth, and self-awareness.
How Excuses Manifest in Different Areas of Life
Let’s explore how “I just don’t have time” shows up in different contexts and the underlying truths we might be avoiding:
1. Work
- Excuse: “I don’t have time or money to improve my skills.”
- Reality: “I’ve prioritised completing tasks or spending money on other things over personal development.”
- Reframe: Schedule regular time for upskilling or mentorship. Success at work often comes from strategic growth, not just ticking boxes.
2. Health
- Excuse: “I don’t have time to exercise or cook healthy meals.”
- Reality: “I’ve prioritised convenience and comfort over health.”
- Reframe: Recognise that health is foundational. Even 15 minutes a day for a walk or preparing a simple, nutritious meal can make a difference.
3. Family
- Excuse: “I don’t have time to spend with my family.”
- Reality: “I’ve let work or other commitments overshadow my relationships.”
- Reframe: Set boundaries. Use simple moments, like family dinners or game nights, to reconnect and strengthen bonds.
4. Personal Goals
- Excuse: “I don’t have time to start that hobby or side project.”
- Reality: “I’ve avoided starting because I’m afraid of failing or unsure where to begin.”
- Reframe: Break the goal into smaller, manageable steps. Starting small can lead to big achievements over time.
The Role of NLP in Changing Your Mindset
NLP teaches us that our thoughts and beliefs create our reality. Two powerful NLP presuppositions to remember:
- “I am in charge of my mind, and therefore my results.”
This belief empowers you to see yourself as the driver of your outcomes, not a passenger in life. - “I have all the resources I need to succeed and to achieve my desired outcomes.”
There are no unresourceful people, only unresourceful states. Feeling stuck is temporary; solutions exist when you shift your perspective.
Practical Steps to Get Back in the Driver’s Seat
- Ask Honest Questions:
- In what areas of your life are you blaming time or circumstances?
- What actions can you take today to regain control?
- Audit Your Priorities:
- Keep a time journal for a week to identify where your time is actually going.
- Adjust your schedule to align with what truly matters to you.
- Adopt Resourceful States:
- Use affirmations like, “I am capable of achieving my goals.”
- Visualise success and focus on the emotions you’ll feel when you accomplish your priorities.
- Take Responsibility:
- Replace “I can’t” with “I choose not to” to reinforce that you’re in control of your decisions.
An Invitation to Growth
Excuses like “I don’t have time” can feel comforting, but they ultimately rob you of growth and possibility. By shifting to a growth mindset, you reclaim your power to prioritise, act, and create meaningful change.
The next time you catch yourself blaming time, pause. Reframe. Remind yourself of the extraordinary potential within you to design the life you want. Only you are responsible for your success.
Start today. Your time is yours to command.
Want to learn more about how NLP can help you take back charge of your life? Check out our next training HERE.