What to Say Instead of “I Don’t Have Time” — 18 Better Ways to Say It

“I don’t have time.”

It’s one of the most common phrases we say, often without thinking.

But sometimes, “I don’t have time” doesn’t quite land the way we want it to.
It can sound abrupt. It can feel like an excuse. Or you walk away wishing you’d said it differently.

What many of us are actually trying to say is something else:

As a business owner and mom, I’ve had to learn this the hard way. In the early days, I defaulted to “I don’t have time” constantly and it didn’t feel great (for me or for the people I was talking to).

Over time, I found better ways to say what I really meant — ways that felt clear, kind, and professional. If you’ve been wanting new language too, these phrases will give you a better way to say it.

Why We Say “I Don’t Have Time” (And Why It Matters)

It’s one of the most socially accepted ways to say no, but it doesn’t always reflect what we truly mean.

Many of us say “I don’t have time” out of habit.

Here’s why it’s so common:

But underneath, there’s often a deeper mindset at play.

Saying “I don’t have time” reinforces the belief that there is never enough time, a pattern tied to what’s often called time scarcity mindset.

If that’s something you want to shift, you can explore it more deeply in my post on How to Overcome Time Scarcity Mindset.

Language shapes mindset. The more we tell ourselves (and others) there’s not enough time, the more that belief sticks. You can explore more on how the power of words can rewire your brain and help shift these patterns.

That’s why this matters. When you start using clearer, more intentional language, you:

When you use clearer, more intentional language, you shift your entire relationship with time.

Polite & Professional Alternatives to “I Don’t Have Time”

There are so many ways to express your boundaries around time, in ways that sound clear, kind, and professional.

Here are some great alternatives to “I don’t have time” you can start using right away:

Polite & Professional Ways to Say “I Don’t Have Time” at Work

• “My schedule is full right now, but I can revisit this next month.”
• “I’m not able to take on additional projects at this time.”
• “I want to give this the attention it deserves, but I can’t commit right now.”
• “I’m currently focused on other priorities.”
• “I need to decline due to existing commitments.”
• “I’m working within limited bandwidth right now.”

Polite Ways to “I Don’t Have Time” for Personal Situations

• “I’m choosing to focus on family this season.”
• “I don’t have the capacity for that at the moment.”
• “I’m keeping my schedule lighter right now.”
• “I need to say no so I can protect my time and energy.”
• “I’m focusing on rest and recovery right now.”
• “That’s not something I can take on at this time.”

How to Say No Clearly and Kindly

• “Thank you for thinking of me, but I need to pass on this.”
• “I’m not able to take this on, but I really appreciate the offer.”
• “This isn’t something I can commit to right now.”
• “I can’t give this the attention it deserves, so I’ll have to decline.”
• “I’m saying no to honor my current commitments.”
• “This isn’t the right fit for me at the moment.”

Remember, the goal isn’t to say more. It’s to say what you truly mean, with clarity and kindness.

How to Stop Saying “I Don’t Have Time” (Mindset Shift)

Once you understand how this phrase reinforces time scarcity mindset the next step is learning how to replace it.

This is about more than just sounding polite. It’s about choosing language that helps you set clearer boundaries and feel better about them.

Here are a few simple ways to start shifting it:

Small shifts in language can create big shifts in how you experience time.
If you’d like more mindset tools to support your business and life as an entrepreneur mom, explore my guide on Mindset for Entrepreneur Moms, it’s a great next step if you’re ready to deepen this mindset work.

FAQs About Saying “I Don’t Have Time”

Is it rude to say “I don’t have time”?

Not necessarily, but it can sometimes come across as abrupt or vague, depending on the tone and situation.

Often, it’s clearer and kinder to choose language that better reflects what you mean, whether that’s setting a boundary, sharing a priority, or simply saying no with respect.

Why do I feel guilty saying no?

For many of us, guilt around saying no comes from old conditioning, the belief that we should always be available, helpful, or accommodating.

It’s also easy to tie your worth to how much you do or how much you say yes.

Ans it’s safe to honor your time and capacity. Saying no with clarity protects your energy and creates space for what matters most.

How can I set better boundaries around my time?

Start by getting clear on what matters most to you, in this season of life and business.

Practice using language that reflects those priorities (you’ll find plenty of alternatives above to help).

And if you’d like more support, my free Mindset Mastery Starter Kit includes simple tools to help you strengthen your time boundaries, with less guilt and more ease.

Creating a More Spacious Relationship with Time

How you talk about time matters.

When you choose words that reflect your true boundaries and priorities, you not only communicate more clearly — you start shifting how you feel about your time.

You don’t need to change how you speak overnight. Try one or two phrases that feel natural to you and notice how it shifts your conversations (and your mindset).

And if you’d love support as you practice this, come join us in my free Mindful Living for Entrepreneur Moms Facebook group. It’s a space to explore these shifts in a real, supportive community — with other moms building businesses and balancing life.

It’s safe to set boundaries in a way that feels good to you. And how you speak about your time is a powerful place to start.