The myth of more time

A common chorus sung in healthcare is “we need more time!” or its variant, “I don’t have enough time!”

I may have been caught in this myself over the last few weeks. 

Let’s face it, feeling like we don’t have enough time to do what needs to be done, or what’s expected, can be incredibly frustrating.

But since we can’t create time, how can we keep ourselves from getting sucked into a constant state of discontentment? 

Discontentment may seem like an odd choice of words, yet when we feel like we don’t have enough time, we are discontent with the time we do have, discontent with the support or lack of support that we are getting from the system, and discontent with our experience of work. 

And this is NOT why we went into nursing.

So what do we do about it?

As with so many other work challenges, this one can be significantly softened by changing the language around it. 

“I don’t have the time” is absolute and unfixable. We say it in an effort to defend ourselves, but in doing so we shut ourselves off from the very power we have to change the situation. 

Often, the easiest way is to change the absolute (and disempowering) statement to a question.

How can I use my time differently?

What would I do with more time if I had it? How can I figure out a way to make this happen now?

How can I give good care no matter what the time constraint is?

Is there somewhere that I am spending time that isn’t worth it?

How can I get this done in the time I have?

Is there something I can do to give myself more energy to maximize the time I do have?

By asking questions, instead of just mantra-ing our way through it with statements we don’t believe (like “I have plenty of time”), our brain activates in a unique way. Instead of shutting down, it looks for answers, sometimes without us even giving conscious thought to it.

The best part? The ultimate outcome is that you can feel better regardless of how much time you have. And when we feel better, we are more likely to have a good day at work.

And when we have a good day at work, this can trickle into other parts of our lives.

It may sound simple, but it doesn’t take a lot of time to try it.

So what are you going to do with your time today? 

And how can it fulfill you?

---

You spend so much of your time taking care of everyone else. What about making a little time for yourself?

If you’re a nurse who feels overwhelmed, drained, or disconnected from the work you once loved, 1:1 coaching can help you find ways to feel more fulfilled and in control of your work life.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, and you don’t have to leave nursing to feel better.

Let’s talk. Reach out to Megan@NursingBeyondTheJob.com to schedule a free discovery call and see if coaching is right for you.