How to Change Your Life in 17 Minutes a Day Without Waiting
Every day, I meet people who dream of writing a book, starting a business, launching a video course, saving for a house, getting fit, or traveling the world. They say, “Tomorrow I’ll start. Tomorrow I’ll join the gym. Tomorrow I’ll plan that trip to Antarctica.” But tomorrow never comes. There’s always something in the way—never enough money, never enough time, never the perfect moment. Life gets in the way, and those dreams stay dreams.
The truth is, our days are short. Each one is just 24 hours, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. That’s why it’s so important to start on your projects now, not later.
Recently, a friend told me he’d wanted to volunteer in Kenya for three years. He imagined working with elephants, going on safari, making a difference. But he never did it. Work, family, and daily life always got in the way. It’s like having sticks jammed in your wheels, stopping you from moving forward.
Money is another common excuse. People talk about their “f*** you money”—that magic number where you can finally live your dream life. For some, it’s 5,000 euros a month. But the truth is, it’s never enough. The more you earn, the more you spend. This is called lifestyle inflation. You think you deserve to spend more because you earn more, but your savings never seem to grow. So you keep putting off your dreams, waiting for that perfect financial cushion that never arrives.
Tim Ferriss popularized the idea of the “mini-retirement”—taking six months off every couple of years to travel, learn, or just live differently. I tried it myself. My company offered a six-month unpaid sabbatical after a few years of work. I traveled, learned new programming skills, and started open-source projects. I even spent three weeks in a remote place, buying fresh fruit, taking cheap buses, swimming, listening to podcasts, and learning Spanish. It was an incredible experience.
Maybe your dream is something similar. Maybe you want to travel, start a business, or learn a new skill. The truth is, there’s never a perfect time. You might have to squeeze your budget or juggle your schedule, but if you keep waiting, you’ll never do it. Life only gets busier. You never know what will happen in a month, a year, or even three weeks. So the best time to start is now.
We all have 24 hours in a day. Sometimes I work from 7 in the morning until 10 or 11 at night because I love what I do. But even then, there are limits. You have to know your limits and recognize that your time is precious. Prioritize what makes you happy. Focus on the things that give you energy and make you feel good. Life is beautiful and deserves to be lived fully.
Identify what’s truly important to you. What makes you happy? For me, it’s hiking. I love hiking in New Zealand, and I hope to go to New Caledonia soon for more adventures. Make your most cherished projects your top priority, even if it means sacrificing other things. Once you know your number one priority, you can delegate or drop the rest. If volunteering in Kenya is your top goal, spend an hour each day planning it. Take three weeks off, even if it means putting other things on hold. When you have a clear priority system, you give your important projects the attention they deserve.
After you achieve one priority, move on to the next. Maybe it’s starting a business, moving to a new city, or learning to cook. For example, I use a banking app that tracks my spending and shows me where my money goes. It’s simple and helps me stay on top of my finances, so I can focus on what matters most.
Having a clear priority keeps you from feeling lost or guilty about procrastinating. Your number one priority comes first, always. After that, you can move on to the next thing. This approach keeps you moving forward, step by step.
I also recommend the book The One Thing. It’s a great read if you want to improve your daily life and productivity. The goal isn’t just to do more, but to feel better while doing it. If you’re miserable, what’s the point of being productive? Balance is key. Make time for breaks, social activities, exercise, and even moments of quiet reflection. That’s how you create a life that feels good, not just busy.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
— Chinese Proverb
“What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.”
— Gretchen Rubin
Key Takeaways
- Stop waiting for the perfect moment—start now, even if it’s just for 17 minutes a day.
- Identify your true priorities and focus on them, one at a time.
- Don’t let money or time excuses hold you back; life will always be busy.
- Balance productivity with happiness and well-being.
- After achieving one goal, move on to the next—keep your momentum.
Reflection
- What is my number one priority right now?
- What small step can I take today to move closer to my dream?
- Am I letting excuses or “waiting for the right time” stop me from living the life I want?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Entrepreneurship #Money #Motivation #Nomad #Personal Development #Productivity #Self-Improvement #Taking-Action #Tech #Time-Management #Wealth