"I Have Time" – The Power of Perception

There’s something deeply powerful in the words we choose to live by, and lately, one phrase has resonated with me: “I have time.” At first glance, it may seem like just another statement. But when we think about it more deeply, it becomes clear that this mindset can reshape the way we approach life itself.

Time isn’t just a resource; it’s a reflection of our perspective. When I tell myself, “I have time,” I am not merely stating a fact; I am making a conscious choice. A choice to see abundance where others might see scarcity. A choice to slow down and prioritize what truly matters. And, perhaps most importantly, a choice to be present in the moment, rather than chasing the illusion of perpetual busyness.

But here’s the paradox: if I convince myself that “I’m too busy,” even when my schedule isn’t overflowing, then I’ve already lost. I create a self-fulfilling cycle where my mind becomes cluttered, my actions feel rushed, and my focus narrows to the point where time itself seems to slip through my fingers. By believing I don’t have time, I actually deny myself the time I do have.

We often treat time as if it’s something that happens to us; an external force pushing and pulling us in all directions. But in reality, time is shaped by how we perceive and prioritize it. The phrase “I don’t have time” becomes a mental barrier, a way of justifying why we aren’t fully engaged in our work, our relationships, or even in our own self-care.

But what if we flipped that narrative? What if, instead of surrendering to the rush, we chose to approach each day with the belief that “I have time”?

This doesn’t mean we’ll suddenly find ourselves with endless hours. Instead, it means we’ll be more intentional with the time we already have. By believing we have time, we begin to make better choices. We prioritize more thoughtfully, we eliminate distractions more easily, and we become more present in the tasks and moments that truly matter. We stop chasing the endless to-do list and start embracing the value of each moment.

Here’s the irony: we create the experience of busyness by telling ourselves we’re busy. It’s a mental construct, often fueled by external expectations or self-imposed pressure. The reality is, we make time for what we choose to care about. If we say, “I have time,” we unlock the ability to live more fully, working with purpose, spending time with loved ones, and experiencing life in a more meaningful way.

Let’s remind ourselves that time is not the enemy; it’s a gift. It’s not something to be feared or fought against. It’s something to be embraced, cherished, and utilized with care.

When we tell ourselves, “I have time,” we are choosing to step out of the race. We are choosing to align our actions with our values, to prioritize the moments that bring meaning, and to live with a deeper sense of purpose.

For startups, this mindset is even more crucial. In the whirlwind of building something from the ground up, it’s easy to feel like time is always running out; like there’s never enough hours in the day to tackle the endless challenges and opportunities. But in reality, the most successful founders and teams are those who master their time by mastering their mindset. By believing “I have time,” you create the mental space to think strategically, innovate meaningfully, and build relationships that last. Startups thrive not on the frantic pace of constant activity, but on the ability to focus on what truly matters; to act with clarity, not chaos. So, if you’re building something great, remind yourself: “I have time.” That simple shift can be the difference between burning out and breaking through.

So today, I invite you to shift your mindset. Don’t let the idea of busyness steal your time. Instead, reclaim it. Say it out loud: “I have time.” You might be surprised by how much more of it you find.

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