There never seems enough time to do everything. We are all “busy.” Just busy. Running from one function to the next. Fulfilling all the roles required for home life, work, and civic responsibility.

What if you had an extra hour in your day?

Just imagine... you could have 10 extra minutes for each appointment in the day. Or 10 extra minutes to sit down and have breakfast. What about 10 extra minutes when you’re stuck in traffic so you might not be late? Perhaps 10 extra minutes before you meet with your boss to prepare. 10 extra minutes for your baby to sleep before you drag him out the door. 10 extra minutes to cuddle at bedtime. I bet you can think of a ton of ways you would spend that time.

Do you dream about a whole extra sixty minutes in bed in the morning? Or to simply close your eyes in the middle of the day? Perhaps you fantasize about pausing the world while you dash around and get chores done.

What is stopping you?

Don’t make excuses – too busy, too tired, blah blah blah. You have the power to make it happen. Whether you put your foot down and take yourself to bed earlier for the extra hour in the morning or cancel some stuff to free up your time. Whether it’s to take a deep breath and forget the world or spend the time cuddling with your kids or pets. Believe it or not, it is more your beliefs system holding you back than actual barriers. You must take control. You must say “no” before you can say “yes”. And it’s not always easy.

Think outside the box.

Choose a goal and work toward that goal.

In small steps.

Imagine how luxurious it will feel.  Find a friend who would also like to gain an extra hour in her day and work together. Ask a neighbor to watch the kids for an hour then return the favor. Politely decline an invitation to lunch with an acquaintance whose company you do not enjoy. This is your life. Do not allow others to add appointments to your schedule. Of course there are some obligations none of us finds pleasant that we must still fulfill. But really take a look at those. Think about them individually. Ask yourself why you feel obligated. Ask yourself if fulfilling the obligation fits within your core values. Emotionally detach yourself and approach it like you would a dilemma at work. What are you going to put in place to make sure it happens?

Once you figure out how to gain an hour, decide how you will use your extra hour. Be intentional with your time. Forget the barriers and problems and excuses that come to the surface.  It is vital to your well-being that you make this happen.