Taking Time Out

99-SECOND READ

'I took some time out for life.'

James L. Brooks.

My client wanted to make more time for swimming, exercise, time out, and even a simple hair appointment. Space to breathe.

But it always felt like a struggle. She could never seem to make time for it consistently and felt guilty when she did.

When we talked it out, here’s what became clear:

1. “What will people think?” 

Taking time out felt indulgent. As a director, she believed she shouldn’t step away, and that people would judge her if she did.

2. “They need me now.” 

An unspoken rule – I must respond to messages and be there for family, friends and colleagues in case they need me. Being there meant being instantly available. Always. 

3. “Work hard. No excuses.” 

Rest is bad.

Old conditioning, from parents, deeply ingrained thinking that said work always comes first. 

The realisation:

These aren’t facts. They’re unconscious interpretations that were guiding her.

Sometimes, as people, we naturally take values such as responsibility and caring for others so literally in our own minds that we end up without time for ourselves.

The truth is, when you protect your energy, you lead better. When you create space, you think more clearly. When you step back, you often move forward faster.

A simple question to sit with today: Where are your values getting in the way?

Here’s a small experiment:

Block 90 minutes for yourself this week. 

No justification. No over-explaining. Just a calm, confident boundary.

Then notice what actually happens.