24 Hours in a Day: How Are You Using Yours?
Hey GRLs! Let’s talk about something we all have in common—time. Every single one of us gets 24 hours in a day. That’s 1,440 minutes to spend however we choose. But here’s the thing: it’s not about how much time you have—it’s about how you use it.
As a female student-athlete, your schedule is already packed with practices, games, classes, homework, and maybe even part-time jobs or other responsibilities. But even with all that, there are still pockets of time in your day that you control. The question is, are you using that time to push yourself closer to your goals—or letting it slip away?
The Trap of Doom-Scrolling
We’ve all been there: you pick up your phone to check one notification, and 30 minutes later, you’re still scrolling. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat—they’re all designed to keep you hooked. And while there’s nothing wrong with spending some time catching up with friends or watching funny videos, it’s easy to let hours slip by without realizing it.
Doom-scrolling, or mindlessly consuming content, doesn’t just waste your time; it drains your energy and focus. It’s time you could spend doing something that actually helps you grow, whether it’s hitting the gym, studying for that test, or even taking a mental health break that actually recharges you (like going for a walk, journaling, or connecting with a friend).
Great Leaders Make a Plan
The difference between someone who feels stuck and someone who’s thriving isn’t about having more hours in the day—it’s about having a plan for those hours.
Great leaders, whether they’re athletes, entrepreneurs, or creatives, are intentional about how they spend their time. They set goals and break them down into actionable steps, using every day to move closer to their vision.
Here’s how you can do it too:
Set Your Goals
Think about what you want to achieve this year. Do you want to improve your stats in your sport? Get better grades? Start a passion project? Write down your big goals—seeing them on paper makes them feel real.Break It Down
Once you have your big goals, break them into smaller, actionable steps. For example:Big Goal: Improve your free throw percentage.
Small Steps: Practice 50 free throws every day after practice, track your progress weekly, and watch tutorials on technique.
Make a Daily Plan
Every morning (or the night before), take 5 minutes to map out your day. Identify your priorities, block off time for what matters, and limit distractions like social media.Use Your “Hidden” Time
There’s more time in your day than you think—early mornings, breaks between classes, or even while waiting for practice to start. Use these moments to knock out small tasks, like studying flashcards, stretching, or brainstorming ideas for a project.Reflect and Adjust
At the end of the week, take a few minutes to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Adjust your plan and keep moving forward.
The Compound Effect
Here’s the cool thing about being intentional with your time: small daily actions add up to big results. Spending just 30 minutes a day working on your goals can create a massive difference over time.
Think about it:
Practicing your sport every day improves your skills.
Studying consistently keeps you ahead in class.
Taking time for self-care boosts your mental health.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up and doing the work, even in small increments.
Balance Is Key
Being intentional with your time doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or take breaks. In fact, rest is essential for staying motivated and focused. The key is to strike a balance: work hard when it’s time to grind, and truly relax when it’s time to recharge.
Your Time, Your Choice
The truth is, everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. What sets great leaders and athletes apart is how they choose to spend those hours. So, ask yourself: Are my daily actions aligning with my goals? Am I using my time in a way that pushes me closer to where I want to be?
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small. Set one goal, make one plan, and take one step. And before you know it, those steps will turn into miles, and you’ll be so much closer to achieving your dreams.
Your time is your most valuable resource, GRLs. Use it wisely—and make it count. 💪✨
