The Myth of 'Not Enough Time'
How to transform your productivity while life is still messy
After I transitioned into this new life of coaching and mentoring high-achieving Muslims, I started noticing observing the many flaws we have in approaching “time management” related issues. In a nutshell, we are all caught in a cycle of more:
More bills to pay...
More messages to respond to...
More books to read...
More jobs to apply to…
The cycle of “more” often feels inevitable—draining our energy and focus as we try to keep up. But here’s the truth: this cycle thrives when we keep adding without pausing to reassess. What’s needed isn’t more effort, but a shift in perspective. By stepping back and rethinking how we approach our time, we can break free from this loop and find clarity in what truly matters.
Instead, we need a paradigm shift. Two powerful quotes come to mind:
“The way we see the problem is the problem.” —Stephen Covey
“What got you here won’t take you there. It’s time to let go of old assumptions so you can grow into your future self.” —Benjamin Hardy
The Irony of “Not Enough Time”
When I was in graduate school, I was blessed to have a mentor who served as a role model in different aspects of my life. Being a very successful engineer, he worked tirelessly to achieve a reputable position at his job, and always pushed himself to new heights. One day, he fell sick, and his performance at work dropped, and I remember very well when his family begged him to slow down, take care of his health, go to the gym, and do a physical check-up.
At that point, he refused, saying, “I just don’t have time. I need to work.”
The irony was painfully clear: he needed to prioritize his health because of his work and family. Without it, his work and loved ones would suffer—or worse, lose him altogether.
I’m not sharing this story to judge—quite the opposite. I’ve been in his shoes many times:
“Because I feel lazy and not motivated, I don’t want to go to the gym.”
“Because I didn’t review my homework, I don’t want to show up for Quran class.”
These memories came flooding back as I read recent messages from colleagues and friends who expressed their interest in “upgrading their lives” but then took a step back, saying:
“My days are fully occupied right now. I don’t think this is the right time for me. I may need to wait a few months before I dedicate time for a productivity class.”
“I’m settling into a new place and don’t think this will be the right time. I will need to wait for a few months.”
“I don’t want to do this course half-heartedly. I will only take it when I can dedicate enough time and attention to it.”
This article is, in a sense, an attempt to repurpose these private conversations into a format that could help a wider audience who might be stuck in the same endless loop of “waiting for the right time”. Clearly, the objective is to encourage every high-achieving Muslim to invest in a faith-based self development class, such as the Productive Muslim Masterclass.
Debunking the Myths
Let’s address some common myths that hold us back:
Myth 1: “I Should Wait Until I Have 100% Mental and Emotional Capacity”
Reality Check: The idea of being “fully ready” can be deceptive. It may come from an “all-or-nothing” mindset, which is a common trait for many high achievers, especially those who are exposed to self help content that is driven by the hustle culture. If your schedule is already packed, ask yourself:
What if a few weeks of focused training gave you strategies to handle your existing commitments more effectively?
What if you learned how to build small but powerful habits that integrate seamlessly into your life?
What if God-centered productivity can result in shifting your attention from fixated, daunting, outcome based to-do lists into a balanced and process-based commitments?
In brief, the Productive Muslim masterclass is designed to help you thrive even when life feels chaotic.
Myth 2: “I Need to Clear My Plate First”
Reality Check: Sometimes, the very reason we can’t “clear our plate” is because we don’t have the right systems in place. Assuming that this problem will be solved in a few months could be a mere illusion. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said:
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I’d spend the first four sharpening my axe."
The Productive Muslim masterclass will teach you how to find barakah in your schedule and make small, consistent improvements that lead to big transformations over time. It will include practical steps to prioritize, focus, and gradually cut down the excess from your time so you focus on what matters to your soul and body.
What You’ll Get in the Productive Muslim Class
Six powerful live sessions introducing the Productive Muslim framework.
Recordings for all sessions which will help in case you missed one session or a part of it. Pro-tip: I had some students completely watch the recording and catch-up with questions on the group chat, and their results were transformative.
Bonus group coaching sessions, packed with practical tools and deep insights.
A reflective workbook to guide your journaling and track your growth.
Lifetime access to future iterations of the course. Yes you read that right: you can always join future iterations of the class, since the process of improving one’s self is a life-time process, and you get to join future classes at no extra cost
What Others Are Saying
Here’s what one of our students said about their experience:
The Productive Muslim masterclass starts this Saturday (January 18th, 2025). If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to invest in yourself, this is it. Don’t wait until overwhelm forces your hand. Take charge now and see how this framework can transform not only your productivity but your entire approach to life.
With gratitude,
Dr. MohaNNad Hakeem
Your Partner in Nafs Management and God-Centered Personal Development