It’s Not About Time. It’s About Priorities
I often hear from my DIY clients: “I don’t have enough time to work on my photos.”
And listen… I get it. We’re all busy… juggling work, household life, managing kids or elderly parents, pets, volunteering, squeezing in exercise, keeping the pantry stocked… the list is endless.
How can we possibly add one more thing to our plates?
My heartrate monitoring app that shows 6 consecutive years of achieving a specific hr level
Here’s the thing, though: When we truly want to do something. Like really want it.. we usually find a way. Not because our schedules magically open up, but because we make it a priority.
A quick example: about 5-6 years ago, I decided I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. One of the biggest changes was adding a more structured workout routine. At first, my workouts were tiny. 10 minutes here, maybe another 20 later. I had a “stack” to follow, and some days I would do just one workout.
Other days I’d do all four (it’s definitely easier to keep going once you’re already in motion.) I’d start with a quick 10-minute weight class and, as it wrapped up, I’d look at my watch and tell myself, “Oh, I can squeeze in another 10 minutes.” So I did.
Six years later? My workouts average 60–90 minutes a day. It’s not easy. They’re broken up - half before the kids go to school and half after. And yes, infringing on my sleep? That was initially a hard no for me. But it happened because I made it a priority. I didn’t suddenly have time. I carved it out, slowly.
So when we say “I don’t have time,” what we’re often really saying is:
“It’s not a priority… right now.”
And that’s not a jab. It's simply honest. We all WANT to do the things that bring meaning to our lives. We WANT to volunteer at the school, start a new hobby, work out, create photo books, or finally wrangle the digital chaos. But everything we add takes time from something else we’re already committed to.
And because this topic can stir up guilt, here’s the mindset shift that helps:
Instead of “I don’t have time,” try:
“This isn’t at the top of my priority list in this season of my life.”
This is not forever. Just right now.
And be genuinely okay with that. Because when we don’t admit it to ourselves, we feel like we’re failing or letting someone down, usually ourselves.
You’re not failing. You’re doing just fine.
But here’s the empowering part: When organizing your photos does become a priority, even a small one, you will absolutely find your rhythm. You will make the commitment. You will get it done. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing; it doesn’t have to be perfect; it doesn’t even have to be weekly.
Here’s another example: I’ve personally set aside Monday evenings after dinner as my “project time.” It’s just my little pocket of the week. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don’t (life happens), but it’s there. Protected. And when I do use it, I catch up on my year-in-review books, select photos for holiday cards or calendars, or simply tidy up my digital library. It feels good to have a home for these projects. No pressure, just possibility.
So whether your time ends up being 10 minutes on a Sunday afternoon or an hour while the kids are at practice, the moment this becomes a priority for you, the progress will follow.
Life happens. Try anyway. Even ten minutes counts.
And when you’re ready?
I’ll be right here, cheering you on and helping you every step of the way.
If you’re feeling that spark of “okay, I think I’m ready”… there are a few ways I can support you:
My DIY Photo Membership: step-by-step guidance, accountability, and easy wins so you can finally get your photos under control.
1:1 Concierge Coaching: personalized support tailored to your chaos (digital or print).
Photo Audit & Strategy Session: a one-hour deep dive to create a clear, simple plan you can follow with confidence.
No pressure, just options.
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