Take a Breath — You Have Time

How often do we tell ourselves, “I have to get this done right now”? Or “I need to hurry up”? I used to feel that if I wasn’t rushing through tasks or ticking boxes on my to-do list, I wasn’t moving forward fast enough. But I realized something that changed my entire perspective on time and productivity: “I have time.”

This simple thought, “I have time,” has impacted me deeply. It has brought a sense of relief, calm, and, surprisingly, a renewed focus on what actually matters. In the past, rushing felt like the only option. Deadlines loomed, tasks piled up, and there was this constant need to be doing something, to keep moving. It’s easy to feel that if we slow down, everything might fall apart. But just thinking, “I have time,” allowed me to take a breath, step back, and see things with a different clarity.

The Habit of Rushing

Before I came across this shift in perspective, I often found myself feeling anxious about time. I felt the pressure to do everything quickly, to check things off the list so I could feel productive. There was this underlying worry that if I didn’t rush, I’d fall behind, or miss some invisible “finish line.” The truth, though, is that the finish line doesn’t exist—life isn’t a race.

But when I constantly felt like I had to rush, I ended up procrastinating a lot. The pressure to get things done fast made me freeze. Instead of taking action, I found myself avoiding tasks altogether. The more I tried to rush, the more stuck I felt. This procrastination cycle only added more stress, making everything harder in the long run.

Discovering “I Have Time”

Then, one day, a simple thought hit me: I have time. It sounds almost too easy, right? But just saying those words to myself in moments of stress gave me an immediate sense of relief. It was like the pressure valve had been released.

“I have time” didn’t mean I would delay things indefinitely or ignore my responsibilities. Instead, it reminded me that life and work don’t need to be constant sprints. Every time I remind myself that I have time, I can slow down, take a breath, and approach things thoughtfully.

I started noticing how much more grounded I felt. When I began a task, instead of feeling an immediate need to rush through it, I could say, “It’s okay, you have time.” This small mental shift has done wonders for my anxiety levels and has helped me make better decisions, focus deeper, and truly engage with whatever I’m working on.

The Impact of Letting Go of the Rush

Since embracing the idea that I have time, here’s what I’ve noticed:

1. More Clarity and Focus

With no rush to get things done instantly, I find I can focus on the process, not just the end goal. It’s like taking a walk instead of a sprint—you notice things along the way, gain insights, and find meaning in small details.

2. Better Quality of Work

Without the constant pressure, I’ve noticed my work has more depth and thoughtfulness. Rushing through tasks often leads to mistakes or a feeling that I could have done better. But now, allowing myself time means I’m more satisfied with the work I produce.

3. Relief from Anxiety

The anxiety that used to hit me when I felt like I was behind has decreased tremendously. This isn’t to say I don’t still have busy days or deadlines, but the inner calm that comes from knowing I have time helps me handle even the busiest days with more ease.

4. Enjoying the Journey

There’s a saying: “The journey is as important as the destination.” Reminding myself that I have time lets me actually enjoy the journey. I don’t just look forward to finishing tasks but appreciate the process of getting there.

Why Rushing Isn’t Always Necessary

Life often pushes us to hurry, but it’s okay to take things one step at a time. When I think, “I have time,” I’m reminding myself that life isn’t a race; it’s a series of moments meant to be lived fully. The time for each experience or task will come when it’s meant to. Just because we can rush doesn’t mean we should.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, thinking you need to finish something right now, take a breath and remind yourself: “I have time.” Give yourself permission to experience the journey at a natural pace. You may find, as I did, that having time isn’t just about taking it slow—it’s about giving yourself the space to enjoy life more deeply, with less stress and more gratitude.