Struggling to find time for your goals? You might not have a time problem… you might have a priority problem. Here’s how I shifted my mindset, found just 30 minutes a day, and started making progress on the things that truly mattered.
The Illusion of “No Time”
For most of my adult life, I felt too busy.
Back in my 9–5 days, I’d wake early, commute to work, stay late to impress, and rarely be home before 7pm. Dinner, watch a movie, then straight to bed to do it all over again the next day.
Weekends weren’t much better. I was exhausted, the house was a mess, and I was torn between family, friends, and wanting just a little time for myself.
Meanwhile, I dreamed of doing more:
- Exciting design projects
- Growing my skills
- Learning about marketing, business, and even science
- (And yes, plenty of Star Wars too)
But with so much on my plate, I felt like I never had time. Especially not for the things I really wanted.
Does this sound familiar?
A Mindset Shift: From “No Time” to “Not a Priority”
Here’s the truth: you do have time. You just might not be making the right things a priority.
Think about it.
I’m a huge Star Wars fan, as I already mentioned. So when a new movie came out, I’d book tickets immediately. When a new series drops, I’d be watching it the morning it was released.
And if my daughter was unwell at school and needed me, I dropped everything without hesitation.
You’ve probably done similar. We all make time when something really matters.
So instead of saying, “I don’t have time,” try saying: “It’s not a priority right now.”
It’s a subtle shift, but it’s a powerful one.
How to Find 30 Minutes a Day
When I was working full-time, starting a side business felt impossible. I was drained.
But then I asked myself: Do I have 30 minutes?
The answer was yes. I could:
- Wake up a little earlier
- Work for a short burst before or after dinner
- Use my commute differently (train instead of driving)
- Make use of “in-between” time, like over breakfast… or even when on the toilet…
It sounds small, but 30 minutes a day adds up fast:
- 3.5 hours a week
- 14 hours a month
- 180+ hours a year
That’s enough to make real progress on any goal. Whether it’s building a business, learning a skill, or chasing a dream.
Use a Vision Board to Stay Focused
One powerful tool I used back then was a vision board. Something I’d actually like to work on again.
I filled a pinboard with images of what I wanted: my dream home, dream holidays, the kind of design projects I wanted to work on, and the lifestyle I imagined.
I did a quick Google search and found a nice example from Karen at With Passion and Purpose (see below). She also has a Handy Guide to Creating Your Own Vision Board.
Every morning, my Vision Board reminded me what actually mattered.
The result? Clarity. I stopped wasting time on things that weren’t aligned with that vision, and started making choices that moved me closer to it. I could visually see, every day, what I needed to make a priority.
Without focus, it’s easy to drift through life – a lot of people sadly do that. A vision board can help you cut through the noise and keep your priorities front and centre.
Why My Priorities Have Changed
If you’ve noticed I’ve been less active on social media or publishing fewer podcasts recently, it’s because my priorities have shifted.
When I started Logo Geek, it was my side hustle. I carved out evenings and weekends for it because it mattered to me.
Now, 10 years later, I’m a single dad to a 6-year-old daughter. As much as I love work, she comes first.
During the recent school holidays, I chose to prioritise her over work… and I don’t regret it for a second. Just look at this little clip from our “Evie and Daddy Show” when we went bug hunting. That’s a memory we’ll both treasure forever. I made it a priority, because that’s what truly matters.
Now that she’s back at school, I have more space to create again. Writing this blog? Today, it’s a priority.
Key Takeaway: Make the Right Things a Priority
The next time you say, “I don’t have time,” stop and reframe it:
“It’s not a priority right now.”
That simple mindset shift forces honesty. If something really matters to you, you’ll find the time… even if it’s just 30 minutes a day.
Because the truth is: you do have time. The question is whether you’re spending it on what truly matters.