Too Much to Do, Not Enough Time?

We've all been there - that nagging feeling that there's just too much to do and never enough time to do it all. It plays on a loop in our minds, the background soundtrack to our overwhelmed lives. If this sounds familiar, then this one’s for you!

I used to be totally convinced that was just my reality. I genuinely thought I was just stating facts. But here's the thing - what you believe, you attract more evidence to make it true. By resigning myself to that belief, I was setting myself up to live it out over and over again.

It felt inescapable - always too many tasks, responsibilities, and obligations with limited hours to jam them into. And that overwhelm bleeds into all areas of your life, leaving you feeling endlessly behind and stressed to the max.

But what if I told you that perception of never having enough time is just an illusion? Time itself is this crazy, abstract concept we can't even literally grasp. Yet we treat it like a commodity to hoard, spend, and constantly worry is running out.

None of that is actually true though, and our obsession with never having enough of it is self-imposed. Pause and let that sink in.

Time simply…is. It will always be no matter how much we fret over it.

The good news is that you have the power to rewrite this storyline completely by shifting your mindset around time. Imagine waking up liberated from that suffocating sense of being crushed under too many to-dos. It's 100% possible once you let go of that limiting belief.

What is Time Really?

Before we get into dealing with that "too much to do" overwhelm, let's talk about what time actually is. Time is a mental construct, not something physical you can touch or hold. Clock time is just a tool we invented to measure the passage of events. But time itself? That's not real in the way we often think.

Time is your perception of the space between events or how long an event lasts. In essence, we create time because we create our perceptions. Feeling rushed and stressed is an illusion. When you feel like you have too much to do and not enough time, that's a false reality. It's not time that's the problem, it's how you think about it.

Think of the events in your life as markers. Those markers matter, but it's the periods in between that shape your experiences and give life deeper meaning. It's in those in-between moments where you truly create and understand the essence of time.

Because time is a construct in your consciousness, this is how two people can live in the same world but experience time totally differently. We’ve all experienced those moments where time seems to go by so fast or so slow depending on how we’re spending it.

This realization is powerful. Managing your time is really about managing your mindset and shaping your perception of it. Once you recognize this, you have the control to mold your time experience instead of being controlled by it.

I'm guilty of getting caught up in that frantic "never enough time" mindset, struggling against the fact that time isn't a tangible thing like the ticking clock portrays. But certain unexpected moments have made the truth click for me. An emergency, a loved one's passing, a sick kid's ER trip - anything that suddenly makes your normal routine and to-do list meaningless in an instant.

In those moments, you realize you can create time for what truly matters most. All the "have-to's" fall away, and you're reminded that you always had all the time in the world. You just got distracted focusing it elsewhere.

Yes, we have to function day-to-day, but we can also step back from letting the clock rule our lives. To just experience life without time weighing you down constantly.

Tackling the “Too Much to Do, Not Enough Time” Mindset

Time is often viewed as a relentless force, but changing your mindset can make a massive difference.

Again, time isn't controlling you - your thoughts about time are.

So, what are your thoughts about time?

Think about how you currently view time. Maybe you say things like "I don't have time for that" or "I'm too busy." But where has that gotten you? Has it left you feeling stressed and overwhelmed with too much to do?

The thing is, time is a constant. You get 24 hours in a day, same as everyone else. It's how you choose to use those hours that makes the difference. When you believe you're perpetually short on time, your brain goes into panic mode, making it harder to focus and complete tasks.

It's time to switch up your time mindset. You’re the creator of your own time, not the other way around. Let’s work on changing up your perception and start stretching your time, instead of shrinking it.

Embracing a New Time Outlook

First, get clear on your current thoughts about time. Make a list - all the "never enough time" BS you tell yourself.

Take a minute to look over your list. Read each thought and sit with it. How do these thoughts make you feel? Get curious about what’s behind them.

Then take a look at what believing those thoughts is creating for you and ask: are those thoughts serving me? Probably not if you're constantly stressed.

Trade those crappy thoughts for new ones, like "all I have is time" (certainly true if you take a minute to think about it) or "I have exactly what I need." Small shift, big impact.

Instead of "I don't have time," say "that's not a priority right now." Worlds better, right? Or flip "I have to do this" to "I get to do this" - moving from stress to gratitude.

The point is, you're in control of how you spend your time. Stop treating time like a dictator ruling your life. Master that timekeeper mindset and you'll get so much more done without ‘too much to do’ dragging you down.

Too Much To Do? The Hidden Time-Wasters

Want in on a simple truth? One of the best ways to create more time is to stop wasting it!

We all struggle with feeling like we have too much to do and not enough time. But have you stopped to think about all the sneaky ways you might be wasting precious minutes? I'm talking about those unconscious habits that suck away your day without you even realizing it.

Distractions Galore

First up, distractions are enemy #1 for our focus. From mindless scrolling to overeating, these little time-suckers add up fast. We turn to them to avoid unpleasant emotions like anxiety over looming deadlines or feelings of unworthiness. But numbing through distraction only fuels a vicious cycle that eventually leaves you burned out and desperately seeking escape.

Until you process those root feelings, especially around your inherent self-worth, distractions will keep worming their way in. You'll unconsciously fill your days with unnecessary tasks suck as people-pleasing or taking on another course in a misguided attempt to feel worthy. But once you confront and overcome that need for validation, those time-wasting habits dissolve. You stop doing things you think you "should" and start spending your time freely on what truly matters to you.

Stuck in Limbo 

Can't decide what to tackle first? You're wasting time in decision purgatory. Indecision breeds incomplete tasks and regret. Instead of "trying," just freakin' do it already. Multitasking is the enemy - finish one thing before moving to the next. Ask yourself what you're "trying" but not actually doing, then go all in.

The Overstuffed Schedule  

In our go-go-go world, we cram every second with activities. No wonder time flies by! We've lost the ability to find meaning in the spaces between events. Over-scheduling leaves no room for introspection or presence. Start declining some commitments to open up breathing room.

When we look at how much more relaxed people were in the past and how things have changed today, this is why! We’ve reduced that inner space where we create our time and meaning.

Overwhelm Paralysis

When you’ve got too much to do, it overloads your brain. Often times, perfectionism and fear of failure make you want to tackle everything flawlessly, which is impossible. This triggers stress that undercuts productivity. Fight back with mindfulness, short breaks and realizing "done" is better than "perfect."

The bottom line? Being conscious of your time-wasting habits is half the battle. Ditch the distractions, prioritize relentlessly and don't let overwhelm stop you. With a little awareness, you can reclaim tons of lost time to spend on what really matters.

Finding Space When You Have Too Much to Do

When life feels overwhelming with too much to do, the solution may seem counterintuitive - do less. Creating inner space through practices like meditation and mindfulness can help you find more time by slowing down your mind.

Rather than adding more events to your schedule, take time to savor and reflect on what you already have. Through contemplation, you'll generate a sense of meaningfulness to inform where you truly want to focus your energy moving forward. It's not the events themselves but what you do with them in your consciousness that creates a meaningful life.

Meditation allows you to step back and observe your current mindset objectively. You can then redefine who you want to be and how you'd like to spend your time aligned with your deeper values.

The Stillness in the Chaos

Without pause for reflection, we get trapped in constant busyness, chasing tasks without fulfillment. When we live on autopilot, time seems to fly by without meaning. But by being present and contemplating what's important, we reconnect with our true selves.

Meditation quiets the constant mental chatter, creating space to explore your inner world. I would encourage you to find a quiet spot outdoors and simply observe nature - the sights, sounds, and feeling of the breeze. Let this spaciousness permeate your being.

You can also try breathing exercises, bodily awareness practices, mindful eating, and pursuing hobbies that make you lose track of time. Engage with awe-inspiring moments or uplifting music to expand your perception.

When you're fully present, each moment feels abundant rather than rushed. Paradoxically, by slowing down you'll have more time for what truly matters. Let go of the frantic pace and reconnect with the stillness within the chaos. That's where you'll discover your next step forward.

Too Much To Do: From Overwhelmed to In Control

You’ve cleaned up your thoughts and made room for more inner space. Great start, but now it's time to take action on how you'll spend your precious time. This is crucial for breaking out of that soul-crushing "too much to do" overwhelm cycle.

Time is our most valuable resource, yet we can't physically manufacture more of it. We often wish we had extra hours, but for what? What are we really hoping to achieve? Reflecting on this can help you understand why you feel constantly overwhelmed and short on time.

We claim we're too busy to make changes, yet we desperately crave meaning and a way out of feeling stuck. It doesn't take much effort, but without intentionally making space for change, nothing will get better.

So what's more important - staying in the unproductive busy-trap, or finding some peace?

You're Doing Too Much Meaningless Bullsh*t

There's a massive difference between simply taking action and taking meaningful action that actually moves the needle towards what you really want in life. When you're not engaging with what truly matters, you end up overwhelmed, avoiding important tasks and just reacting to life on autopilot rather than consciously creating it. Take a moment to reflect - where might this apply to you?

Every day, you decide where to focus your attention and energy. Sometimes it's an intentional, productive choice. But if overwhelming busyness is the norm, you're probably letting external factors dictate your actions instead of choosing what will actively move you closer to your goals.

Most of us feel like we've wasted too much time on crap that didn't get us any closer to what we really want deep down. We've lived by other people's standards, projections and expectations instead of our own. And no matter how much we do, many of us never feel like it's enough. The only way to break free is identifying your true desires and putting some firm boundaries around it.

Quick reflection: Are you fully in control of how you spend your time, or is someone/something else calling the shots? If so, who/what, and why are you allowing it? You have the power to decide what matters most.

One of the biggest issues is that most of us have never deliberately decided how we actually want to spend our limited time on this planet. And that's exactly what we'll cover next.

I used to stay in a constant state of busyness, trying to feel purposeful without any real progress. The relentless hustle left me exhausted and unfulfilled. All that "productivity" was really just a distraction from feeling empty and purposeless deep down. It was like mindlessly throwing random tools at a problem, hoping one would magically fix it, without first taking a step back to calmly assess which freakin' tool was needed. I was just creating more chaos and overwhelm for myself.

It wasn't until I started focusing on actions aligned with my core values and bigger goals that I finally saw positive changes. If you don't get crystal clear on what you want first, you'll just keep being "busy,” self-critical, stagnant, and no closer to where you're trying to go.

Decide How You Want to Spend Your Time

Alright, now it's your turn! The best way to feel like you have more time is to use that time intentionally to create the life you actually want.

But first, you gotta know what kind of life you want. This will be your compass for how you should spend your time and energy.

So let's simplify this: What's your bigger purpose? What kind of life are you trying to craft here? This isn't about piling more onto your plate, it's about laser-focusing on what genuinely matters to you.

Try summing up your desired life in just one sentence. Then reflect on why that vision matters so deeply to you.

For me, I want my life to be an authentic expression of my true self, inspiring others to find that same inner wholeness.

This matters to me because it offers continuous growth, the compassion of embracing my human experience, and using my gifts to contribute positively to the world.

Now, how will you spend your time deliberately to manifest your vision into reality?

For me, I'll use my time for learning, self-reflection and personal growth so I can embody my purpose and inspire others by example. As I progress, I'll share those lessons to help empower others on their own journeys.

It's also crucial to spend time reflecting on your core values and what else is important to you. You could even ask yourself - if tomorrow was your last day on Earth, how would you want to spend it? Use that perspective to prioritize what truly matters most to you.

Once you get clear on your deepest prioirities, you now have a compass to guide your decisions and actions moving forward.

Set Crystal Clear Goals

With your purpose in mind, set some clear, measurable goals for what you want to achieve. This helps laser-focus your efforts on what's important rather than getting lost in the noise and distractions.

Make a firm decision and fully commit to it. Don't leave other options open, that just leads to doubts and second-guessing your choice. Identify what you truly want, then go all-in with no backup plans. Leaving the door cracked for possibilities prevents full commitment. It creates mental clutter and wasted time. Focus on one path at a time until you manifest that reality.

Check in With Where You’re Currently At

Let's get real about where you're at. You've identified your goal, but now we need your starting point. Your current thoughts shape how you spend time, so let's examine that.

What's actually taking up your time? Why are you spending it that way? Time is precious, so understand how you're using it. Reflect on a typical day - how do you feel about how you spent your time? What would you change?

List out everything you do in a day. This reveals where your time really goes. Then compare that to your bigger goals. Drop anything not aligning with where you want to go - those are just time-wasters leaving you feeling overwhelmed with too much to do.

You may also be doing things solely to feel a certain way. I'd encourage you to cultivate the desired feeling first. Clear up your thoughts and ditch time/energy drains. 

Once you've eliminated the unnecessary, re-focus your energy on intentionally investing your time to create your desired life. Write out your current to-do list and prioritize what's genuinely important using a ranking system. Again, let go of anything not directly contributing to your goals - it's just holding you back.

You don't have to do it all yourself either. Assess what tasks you could delegate. Trust others to handle things that don't require your personal time and energy. This frees you to focus where you add highest value.

Make Your Time Count

Now that you've identified how you want to invest your time and what needs to be done to get there, it's time to put it all in a calendar and follow through. Here are some tips for making your time truly count:

Write out all the steps required to achieve your goals. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. If you need to learn something new, make that a step too. Schedule each step in your calendar and commit to completing it on those dates and times.

Be realistic when planning your days. Many people try to cram too much into 24 hours. Prioritize what genuinely matters most and be honest about what you can actually accomplish without burning out. 

Stay results-oriented in your scheduling. Don't just put vague tasks like "work on XYZ project." Get specific by blocking out steps like "Complete [specific task] of XYZ project" to reflect the actual result after that time.

Always prioritize tasks that actively move your life towards your desired direction. Tackle those first to ensure steady progress instead of just staying busy. Rip off the Band-Aid on the tough stuff early too, so it's not weighing you down all day. This makes you feel way more accomplished and less rushed.

Time blocking is effective. Allocate specific blocks for different tasks to reduce distractions and help you focus on one thing at a time. Limit multitasking, as splitting attention increases stress and diminishes work quality.

Remember to also schedule breaks, personal time, and open space to create meaning - not just work tasks. This balanced approach allows you to make consistent, sustainable progress towards your goals.

Protect Your Plan, Expand Your Time

Now that you've planned your schedule, you have to protect it like a pitbull guards its territory. When you commit to something, mean it. This is where trust in yourself is so important. Following through on your plan will help build that self-trust. Once it's in your calendar, consider it done because you're a person of your word.

Gaining control starts with setting boundaries and confidently saying no. It's about making deliberate choices that align with your priorities. Decide your limits and make them clear to yourself and others. Block those times in your calendar - it's sacred space you're guarding like gold.

Consistency is crucial. Boundaries mean nothing if you don't uphold them. Communicate them firmly but respectfully. Saying no is tough, especially if you're a people-pleaser. But overcommitting leads to overwhelm and burnout.

Prioritize your tasks first. When someone asks for your time, evaluate whether it fits your priorities. Feel empowered to say, "I can't take that on right now." Be direct but polite - no need for long explanations. And remember, when you decline something, own that decision. That’s what will help you to feel at peace with your “no.”

Expect failures along the way - they're timesavers! Being willing to stumble prevents indecisive paralysis. Failures create momentum by showing what doesn't work so you can pivot toward what does. Don't judge them, learn from them, and keep moving.

Regularly reflect on your progress and realign as needed. Priorities and goals evolve, so reassess what matters most to ensure your time aligns with your purpose.

Moving Forward…

I know we covered a lot, but let me break it down. By making some of these changes and shifting your mindset, you'll realize you have way more time than you thought. It's not about adding more hours or working harder, but rather working smarter and using the time you have more efficiently.

When that thought pops up..."too much to do, not enough time"... bring awareness to it. Then follow through with a pre-planned action to reverse it and stay in control.

For me, when I feel that overwhelm, I recognize I've slipped into clock time instead of being present. I have compassion for that part of me, but also understand I need to create space to digest and re-focus on what's important. I then shift to a thought like "all I have is time" or "I GET to do this today."

By prioritizing what matters and changing your mindset, you’ll no longer live at the effect of the clock. Prioritize, breathe, and remember—YOU are the creator of your time. You have the power to feel in control.

Some quick reminders:

• Be Deliberate: Make intentional choices about how you spend your time.
• Set Priorities: Focus on what truly matters to you and let go of the rest.
• Finish What You Start: Commit to completing tasks before moving on to new ones.
• Simplify Decisions: Reduce the mental load by making decisions faster and more confidently.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Stop judging yourself so harshly. Remember, you are enough.
• Create Space: Allow yourself downtime to process and find meaning in your activities.
• Manage Overwhelm: Break tasks into smaller steps and tackle them one at a time.

Remember, it's not about how much you do, but about doing what truly matters. You got this!