Overcoming the “I Don’t Have Time” Mentality
“I don’t have time” is something we all say—especially when life gets busy.
Between juggling work, kids, and everything else on your plate, finding time for fitness can seem like an impossible task.
But often, the real challenge isn’t a lack of time; it’s the mindset that makes us believe we don’t have it.
Here’s how to break free from the “I don’t have time” mentality and make fitness a priority, even with a full schedule.
#1. Shift Your Priorities
When life gets busy, we tend to focus on what feels urgent—work deadlines, family obligations, and daily tasks. Fitness often ends up at the bottom of the list. But here’s the truth: taking care of your health is just as important as any other responsibility.
Start thinking of exercise as non-negotiable, like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. When you prioritize your health, you’re investing in a better future for yourself and your family. The benefits of regular exercise—more energy, better mood, and improved focus—will help you tackle everything else in life with more ease.
#2. Rethink What Exercise Looks Like
Many of us believe that a workout has to be long and intense to be effective. But fitness doesn’t always mean spending an hour at the gym. It can be as simple as a brisk walk, a 10-minute stretch, or playing actively with your kids.
Instead of thinking of exercise as something extra you have to do, try to incorporate movement into your daily routine.
Take the stairs, walk during phone calls, or do some stretching while watching TV.
By rethinking what exercise looks like, you can fit it into your day without needing large blocks of time.
#3. Schedule It Like an Appointment
If you don’t schedule time for fitness, it’s easy for the day to slip away without it happening.
Treat your workouts like an important meeting or appointment. Block off time in your calendar for exercise, even if it’s just 10-20 minutes.
By planning ahead, you’re committing to yourself and making it easier to follow through. Whether it’s early in the morning, during a lunch break, or after the kids go to bed, finding time for fitness is possible if you schedule it in advance.
#4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One of the biggest barriers to starting a fitness routine is the pressure to do it perfectly. The truth is, you don’t need to have the “perfect” workout routine to see progress. Even small, consistent efforts add up over time.
Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress. If all you have is 10 minutes today, that’s still better than nothing. Let go of the all-or-nothing mentality and embrace the idea that every bit of movement counts.
#5. Find a Community or Accountability Partner
Staying motivated to work out on your own can be tough, especially with a busy schedule. That’s why finding a community or accountability partner can be a game-changer. When you’re part of a supportive group or have someone checking in on your progress, you’re much more likely to stick to your goals.
Whether it’s joining a class, partnering up with a friend, or connecting with a coach, having someone to encourage you and hold you accountable can help you stay consistent, even on the busiest days.
The Fit2Live community is one of the most inclusive and supportive around. Couple that with our expert coaches who have your back and provide you with plenty of accountability and you’ve got yourself a perfect recipe for staying on track with your health and fitness!
Ready to Make Fitness a Priority?
Overcoming the “I don’t have time” mentality starts with shifting your mindset and making small, intentional changes.
Need help getting started?
Schedule a Free Intro with one of our coaches today.
We’ll help you find a plan that fits your life and schedule, so you can take care of yourself and keep up with everything else!
NEXT UP: THE COST OF INACTION
