If I Had The Time I'd ...

As I was driving back from Manchester last week – a long drive, so I had plenty of thinking time. I was listening to Radio 4, as I often do, I find it easier to listen to on a long drive, and prompted by the conversation, I started to think of all those things that we’d like to do … if only we had the time. Now I’m not talking about all the "101 things To Do Before I Die" things – which was the topic of the show, swimming with dolphins seems to feature on most people’s lists but all those other things that we never quite get round to. Not on the grand scale of climbing Mount Everest or doing a round the world trip but on the smaller scale of putting up that set of shelves, learning a musical instrument or a new language, finding time to exercise regularly, getting home in time to read a bedtime story to your children.

Time is often a sticking point or an excuse when we don’t get round to doing something but it’s always about choice. We chose how to use our time. If we don’t have time for something it’s because we’ve chosen to do something else instead. Whether that’s answering our emails instead of chasing up overdue invoices or reading a book or watching TV instead of learning a new language. All those jobs, activities, hobbies that get put to one side. Is it a matter of delaying tactics for jobs you’d rather not do (we all have those) or is it about really not having the time?

So, have a think – what would you do … if only you had the time?

Why would you like to do it and what stops you … other than time?

Answers on a postcard or just add a comment here.