Frustration: “I Just Can’t Find the Time”
Life gets busy. Work demands more, family needs attention, and self-care seems to slip away. You want to get fit. You aspire to feel stronger, healthier, more energized. But there’s a frustrating barrier in the way—time.
And it’s not that you lack motivation or goals. You’re no stranger to discipline. In your work, you crush deadlines, tackle challenges, and rarely back down. So, why is it so hard to make fitness a consistent part of your life?
If you’re frustrated by the stop-start pattern, you’re not alone. The real answer isn’t about working out harder or finding the “perfect” plan. It’s about understanding consistency—the quiet, unglamorous force behind every lasting transformation.
Why Consistency Beats Intensity
You don’t need hours in the gym or an extreme diet overhaul. What you need is a sustainable approach that fits your life, no matter how packed your calendar is. Consistency is your biggest asset. It’s the slow burn that brings lasting change. Here’s why it matters:
- Momentum: Every small, consistent action builds momentum. Skip a workout, and it’s easier to skip again. But when you show up, even for a short session, you keep the ball rolling.
- Compounding Effect: Just as investments grow over time, so do your health efforts. A few minutes daily adds up, transforming your body more than an occasional three-hour gym session.
The real question isn’t, “Do you have time?” It’s, “Can you make time—every day?”
Making Time: A Mental Shift
Let’s reframe “making time” as an essential investment, not a task on your to-do list. Instead of viewing fitness as another “must-do,” treat it like an appointment with yourself. The same way you wouldn’t cancel on a top client, don’t cancel on your health.
Here are ways to overcome the frustration of not having time:
- Start Small: Block out just 15 minutes to begin with.
- Set Specific Goals: Instead of “I need to exercise more,” make it “I’ll train three times a week.”
- Pick Flexible Routines: Choose short, high-impact routines that can fit into your day.
- Shift Your Identity: Imagine yourself as someone who prioritizes health—because you are.
Building Consistency: Tactical Tips
Consistency requires more than good intentions. You need practical tools to make it happen. Here’s how you can build it into your life, step by step:
1. Leverage “Micro-Workouts”
Micro-workouts—short, intense sessions—are game-changers. Think 10-15 minutes of bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, or burpees. You don’t need fancy equipment or an hour in the gym. Just get moving! These mini-sessions boost your energy and metabolism, and they’re easy to fit between meetings.
2. Schedule It Like a Meeting
Block workout time on your calendar, and treat it with the same importance as any other meeting. Put it in your schedule, and protect it. You wouldn’t skip an important call, so don’t skip your workout.
3. Focus on the Long Game
Remind yourself that fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay if you don’t crush every workout. Showing up consistently—even on days when you’re tired—keeps you in the game.
4. Find Your Accountability Trigger
Choose something that will keep you committed:
- A workout buddy who meets you at the gym.
- An app that reminds you of your goals.
- A coach or trainer who helps you stay on track.
Accountability is like rocket fuel for your fitness journey. It keeps you going when motivation wanes.
Reframe Your Frustration
The key to consistency often lies in reframing frustration as a reminder of what matters. Instead of seeing your busy schedule as a barrier, view it as an invitation to get creative.
Next time you feel too swamped to work out, remember: fitness doesn’t require a perfect schedule, just a persistent one. Each workout is a brick in the foundation of a healthier, more powerful version of yourself.
In Summary: Embracing fitness isn’t about finding hours of free time—it’s about building small habits into your daily life. Consistency, fuelled by micro-workouts, scheduled sessions, and accountability, helps you achieve real transformation. So don’t wait for the perfect time. Make time, and watch your health—and life—change.