With three months left in the year, I had to ask myself what I really wanted my future to look like. So much of our time is spent working for other people, making sure we get good QA scores, staying within KPI rules and not taking time off because of “business needs.” At the same time, the only guarantee is that bills are coming, not that our jobs will always be there.
Most of us barely have time on weekends. When we do, who really wants to spend that free time working again? Sometimes you just want to relax, binge your favorite show, or catch up on sleep. If you’ve got a family, your kids or partner naturally take priority. Maybe you’re cooking dinner, cleaning, or just trying to get a moment to breathe. Stress, fatigue, and mental burnout make it easy to put your own goals on the back burner. But, here’s the problem: if nothing changes, nothing changes. That cycle will keep repeating itself until you choose to break it.
Unfortunately, time waits for no one. From experience, watching months and even years pass without taking steps toward your own goals is a tough reality, once you get to a certain age. You can’t get back wasted time. That realization is heavy, but it can also be the fuel you need to get serious about building for yourself.
Even with all the challenges, there are ways to prioritize your growth and future. It’s not about having endless hours, it’s about using what you do have with intention.
For Single Parents
- Start small, maybe dedicating 15–30 minutes at night after the kids are asleep.
- Use your support system when you can, even if it’s just a family member watching the kids for a few hours so you can focus.
- Look into side hustles that are flexible.
For People in Relationships
- Communicate with your partner about your goals and why they matter.
- Set aside “non-negotiable” time for your business, while still prioritizing quality time with your partner.
- Work together if possible. A shared project can strengthen the bond.
For Those Battling Depression or Mental Fatigue
- Just start. No matter how big or small the task is, just start.
- Set small goals that are able to be completed the same day.
- Don’t aim for perfection. Celebrate all of your small accomplishments.
- Create simple, repeatable routines so you don’t have to rely on motivation alone.
- Follow people or watch things that will give you motivation.
- Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
- Consider therapy or support groups, because your mental health has to come first.
For People Struggling With Laziness
- Change your scenery. Go from the bed, to the couch. Try working in your car, a bench on a walking trail, somewhere outside of your regular comfort zone.
- Break your goals into small, quick tasks so progress feels manageable.
- Remove distractions during your “work for yourself” time.
For Those Who Feel Lost
- Start by exploring. You don’t need the whole plan, just a direction.
- Journal or brainstorm what excites you, even if it feels random or unrealistic.
- Try things on the side until something clicks.
- Think about how you want your future to look and what your perfect day-to-day would entail.
It’s not easy to balance a job with personal goals, and the longer you wait, the harder it feels. Breaks, lunch, or small moments in between can become opportunities to move your goals ahead. You don't have to give up all your rest or family time, but some sacrifice has to happen if you want to see different results. For some people, a steady corporate role is the right choice. For others, starting a business or building something of their own feels worth the effort.
Either way, the hours will pass. The question is, how do you want to use them?
