By Ritu Singal

“I wish I had 36 hours in a day.”

“There’s just not enough time.”

“I’ll do it when things settle down.”

As a life coach, I’ve heard these lines countless times — from homemakers, CEOs, college students, even myself at times. But with all honesty, I’ve learned and lived the truth: we don’t lack time — we lack clarity, prioritization, and systems.

Let me share why this myth of “not enough time” is costing us joy, productivity, and peace — and what to do about it.

Every person on this planet — from a monk in the mountains to a minister in Delhi — has the same 24 hours a day. Time is the only resource that is truly equal for all.

So why do some people build empires, raise children, stay fit, and still find time to meditate — while others struggle to finish one day’s checklist?

The answer is not in the clock, but in the calendar. Not in the ticking seconds, but in how we prioritize our energy and attention.

I often use this metaphor in my workshops:

“If you try to catch three rabbits at the same time, you will likely catch none. But if you feed them wisely, set a plan, and wait with clarity, they might come to you.”

Let me tell you how this played out in my own life.

When I took over my husband’s business after he passed away, I was not a seasoned entrepreneur. I was a lawyer by education, a homemaker by role, and suddenly I was thrown into a failing business with a ₹60 crore loan, multiple court cases, two daughters, and no support system.

I didn’t know the ABC of balance sheets, synthetic leather, or construction. One day I was cooking tiffins, the next day I was flying to China to understand PU/PVC manufacturing. In between, I was attending PTMs and court hearings — often on the same day.

So how did I not go mad?

I sat down and asked myself: What are my three non-negotiables — my rabbits?

I called them the 3 Bs:

•Business – because I had to rebuild what was shattered.

•Bachche (Kids) – because they needed an emotionally present parent.

•Buddhism – because my spiritual strength was my oxygen.

Fitness? Not priority.

Social parties? Skipped.

Gossip groups or extended obligations? Gently declined.

Because when you try to “do it all,” you lose what matters. But when you pick your three rabbits and focus, magic happens.

Write them down. Not 10 things — just 3.

If nothing else gets done, but these 3 do — your day is still a success.

Stop keeping open-ended to-do lists. Instead, block time like appointments:

•7:00–8:00 – Yoga

•9:30–11:00 – Marketing work

•6:30–7:30 – No-screen family time

Give your tasks a home — or they’ll invade every room.

Insert 3-minute micro-pauses in your day.

•Before reacting to a tough email

•Before jumping to the next task

•Before bedtime

Ask: “Is this the best use of my time, energy, and soul right now?

Your “yes” is powerful — protect it.

Say no to:

•Mindless scrolling

•Unnecessary calls

•Pleasing everyone but yourself

Saying no doesn’t mean disrespect — it means self-respect.

Let me circle back to a friend I mentioned earlier. She was a homemaker, raising a child, and often complained, “I have no time.” When we sat down to examine her day, we noticed:

•2 hours went into over-cooking meals no one asked for

•1 hour went in gossip calls that left her emotionally low

•3 hours of passive screen time

Together, we restructured her day:

She still cooked — but simpler. She carved time for herself — yoga and journaling. And most importantly, she dropped the guilt of taking breaks.

A month later, she told me:

“Ritu, I didn’t need more time. I needed more courage to use my time for me.”

You don’t need 36 hours. You just need 24 hours used with clarity, courage, and calm.

As a life coach and a woman who’s walked through fire and rain, I promise you this:

You’re not short on time. You’re short on alignment.

So, pause today. Choose your three rabbits. Feed them with focus.

And trust — you’ll catch what truly matters.

Want help finding your “3 Bs”?

Let’s work together to map your time to your purpose.

Your goals are waiting — maybe not for more time, but for better use of the time you already have.