I Don’t Have Time

I don’t have time —or I’m busy — is a phrase I hear all too often. I used to say it a lot myself.

But what does it actually mean?

I don’t have time means that I have other things to take care of and this isn’t a priority right now. If a friend calls me and frantically says, “James, I need your help! It’s an emergency!” I would not respond with, “Sorry, I’m busy right now.” No. I’d stop what I’m doing and help out.

I don’t have time sometimes means I lack discipline. Maybe I’m spending too much time on my phone or on YouTube. Maybe I messed up my sleep schedule. Maybe I procrastinated on this exam that I had plenty of time to study for.