Everyone spends their free time differently—some play sports, others paint, and some dive into computer programming. Many, however, find themselves watching television or scrolling through social media. No matter what, your time gets filled; the question is, are you choosing how to fill it?
Without clear priorities, time slips away into whatever is most convenient. With smartphones offering endless distractions, it’s easy to reach for a device and scroll mindlessly, filling moments instead of making them meaningful.
To avoid the trap of mindless scrolling and time vortexes, I divide my priorities into three areas: work, personal, and family. Each category has specific goals, along with a plan to achieve them within a set timeframe. Setting goals is important, but just as crucial is deciding when and where to work on them.
I dedicate weeknights and early weekend mornings to personal priorities—times that don’t interfere with family or work. My personal goals include exercising, reading, and writing. I know what each requires, where I need to be, and when I’ll do them. Deciding how to spend my time is easy because my priorities are clear. Watch television, or read, write, and exercise? I choose the latter because they bring me closer to my goals and make me feel accomplished.
My family priorities center on being fully present with my wife and kids. When my children wake up, I’m there to help them get ready for school. In the evening, I support them with homework, play with them, teach them, and talk with them. At night, I spend time with my wife—listening, sharing, and strengthening our connection. This mutual engagement strengthens our bond and helps us truly know one another.
At work, my priorities align with my business goals. I follow a structured schedule and a clear system with my team, but even with a defined mission and vision, staying on track isn’t always easy. Sometimes I don’t feel like reading or writing. Watching television or checking social media seems more appealing. Priorities in different areas of my life sometimes overlap, forcing difficult choices. Unexpected events disrupt plans.
Open communication with my wife and kids is crucial when priorities conflict. By discussing my goals, we establish clear boundaries between personal and family time, reducing guilt when I need to focus elsewhere.
No system is perfect—mine included. Priorities shift, and adjustments are constant. But having a schedule keeps me intentional and minimizes wasted time. As James Clear says in Atomic Habits, scheduling when, where, and how I’ll exercise, read, or write significantly increases the likelihood of following through and, ultimately, achieving my goals. It also frees up mental space.
If you say you don’t have time for yourself, what you’re really saying is that it’s not a priority. If it matters, schedule it—then commit. Check your calendar, make time, and stop wasting it!
Take care.