"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein"

Think about this: we often feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day. Ever catch yourself saying, “If only I had more time”? The crux of this quote is that we all have the same 24 hours each day, just like the greats did. People like Helen Keller, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci achieved extraordinary things without a single extra minute more than you or I have.

Here’s a little history lesson. This idea stems from the observation that many high achievers throughout history faced their own challenges and limitations, yet still made a massive impact. Helen Keller, for example, was both deaf and blind, yet she became a renowned author and activist. Einstein didn’t have an extra-long day to come up with the theory of relativity. They simply managed their time effectively and focused on their goals.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a single mom—let’s call her Jane. She’s got a full-time job, three kids, and she’s finishing her degree online. Sounds impossible, right? But Jane uses every bit of her day wisely. She sets aside time for her studies after the kids are in bed, uses lunch breaks for quick reviews, and gets her kids involved in her learning process by making it a family activity. Jane reminds us that with dedication and smart time management, you can accomplish much, regardless of your circumstances.

Now, how can you tap into this wisdom? First, start by understanding where your time goes. Ever tracked your daily activities? You might be surprised to see how much time we waste. Social media, TV, procrastination—it all adds up. Try using an app to log your time for a week. Then, identify the low-value activities you can cut down or eliminate.

Set clear priorities. What’s really important to you? Focus your energy on those things. You don’t have to fill every minute, but make the minutes you do use count. Create a schedule and stick to it, but be flexible enough to adapt when life throws you a curveball. And remember, it’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your goals.

To put a more relatable spin on it, imagine you’re planning a big road trip. You’ve got a limited number of days to see everything you want. If you spend half your time wandering aimlessly or getting sidetracked by every roadside attraction, you’ll miss the main sights. But if you plan your route, know your must-see places, and maybe even allow for some spontaneous adventures, you’ll have a fulfilling trip (and some great stories to tell).

So next time you catch yourself saying you don’t have enough time, think of Jane, Helen Keller, and Einstein. They all had the same 24 hours. It’s not about having more time; it’s about making the time you have work for you. Focus, prioritize, and use your hours intentionally. You’ve got this.