Get All Access for $5/mo

3 Ways to Make Progress on a Significant Goal -- Today Finding time is futile, creating it is necessary. Use these three steps to create the time to achieve your goals.

By Jason Womack Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Hadrian | Shutterstock | Enhanced by Entrepreneur

This article originally published on May, 19, 2016.

When was the last time you got to the end of a day and said, "Phew, I got everything done. I have all this extra time, what should I do now?"

Oh, wait. Never.

Time. There is never enough of it. You're maxed out, and you still want more. You want to do more. Be more. Have more.

You want to get to the gym and make healthier choices to become the best version of yourself. You want to get your side business off the ground and running. You want to be the best partner, parent and friend you can be. You want to be (more) involved in your community. Bottom line: You want more for our life; there just never seems to be enough time. So, what gives?

You have to create the time.

Related: The 4 Golden Rules of Millionaire Time Management

I often hear people say "If only I had extra time, then I would…" or "Man, I really wish someone would do something about…" From the outside looking it, the common denominator there is the lack of time. But if we are being honest with ourselves, the more pertinent commonality is lack of focus, discipline and support.

Finding time is futile, creating it is necessary.

Related: 5 Time-Management Tools for Small Businesses to Improve Productivity

Here are three ways to create the time you can never seem to find:

  1. Decide that "now" is the time. Now is the time to start that project you have been waiting to start. Now is the time to start taking small steps to reach your goal. Now is the time you name it and focus on it. Really. Set a timer for 15 minutes right now and brainstorm a list or even a mini project plan outlining the actions necessary to get you going on your goal over the next week.
  2. Take Action. Do one thing that will move you in the direction you've been waiting to move in. You don't need to identify something extravagant, just choose something to do that's immediately attainable. For instance, if you are wanting to become healthier -- set aside 15 minutes and go for a walk. (If you can do it right now, even better!) Schedule it on your calendar. Set reminders on your phone. Do whatever you need to do to keep this attainable goal at the forefront of your mind.
  3. Find an accountability partner. Research has proven over and over again that we are more likely to succeed when we share our journey with someone else. Find someone who you want to hold you accountable. Let them know your desires and allow them to champion you through the journey.

Related: How to Manage Time With 10 Tips That Work

What will you be creating time for?

Jason Womack

Cofounder, www.GetMomentum.com

Jason W. Womack is the CEO of The Womack Company, an international training firm that helps busy professionals be more productive through coaching and consulting. He is co-founder of the Get Momentum Leadership Academy, author of Your Best Just Got Better (Wiley, 2012) and co-author with his wife, Jodi Womack, of Get Momentum: How To Start When You’re Stuck (Wiley, 2016). Since 2000 he has coached leaders across industries and trained them in the art of increasing their workplace productivity and achieving personal happiness.

 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.