You’ve probably heard the phrase, “We don’t all have the same 24 hours in a day.” It’s often used to highlight how different people have different responsibilities, privileges, and resources. And that’s true. A single parent working two jobs doesn’t have the same flexibility as someone with financial security and a personal assistant. A professional athlete doesn’t have the same daily stressors as a recreational runner balancing training with a full-time job and family obligations.
But here’s where this message gets tricky. While it starts as an acknowledgment of systemic inequalities, it often turns into something much more harmful—shame-based messaging that keeps people stuck.
How This Narrative Creates Shame
At its core, the idea that “we don’t all have the same 24 hours” can reinforce a sense of powerlessness. It shifts the focus to what you lack instead of what you can do. When you internalize this, it’s easy to feel like success is out of reach. You might start believing that unless your circumstances improve, your goals are impossible.
It also fuels comparison. If someone else is making progress while you’re struggling, this narrative tells you it’s because they have advantages you don’t. That can create resentment, frustration, and even guilt. Instead of looking for ways to improve, you might feel like the deck is stacked against you and stop trying altogether.
The Growth Mindset Shift
The good news? You don’t have to buy into this mindset. A growth mindset—the belief that abilities and success come from effort, learning, and persistence—helps reframe how you see your time, challenges, and progress.
Focus on What You Can Control
Circumstances aren’t equal, but effort, problem-solving, and adaptability are always within reach. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can do today to move forward?” Small, consistent actions add up.
Effort Over Excuses
A growth mindset recognizes that progress isn’t about perfect conditions. It’s about making the best of the time and energy you have. Some days will be harder than others, but action—even small action—is always better than waiting for ideal circumstances.
Challenges as Opportunities
Obstacles aren’t roadblocks. They’re detours, learning experiences, and opportunities to get stronger. A tough schedule forces creativity in training. A lack of resources builds problem-solving skills. Every setback holds something valuable if you’re willing to look for it.
Resilience Over Resignation
When you stop believing that success is dictated by external circumstances, you start seeing setbacks differently. A rough week doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you need to adjust, rest, or approach things from a different angle.
Learning and Adapting
A growth mindset values continuous learning. If your current approach isn’t working, what can you tweak? If time feels tight, where can you find small pockets to invest in yourself? Growth comes from experimenting, adjusting, and staying committed to the process.
Breaking Free from Comparison
Instead of looking at someone else’s life and thinking, “They have more time, money, or help than I do,” shift the focus inward. What progress have you made? What habits can you improve? Success isn’t about measuring up to someone else’s schedule. It’s about making the most of yours.
Your 24 Hours Are Yours to Use
Yes, life isn’t fair. Some people have more resources, support, or flexibility than others. But the moment you let that define what’s possible for you, you give away your power. A growth mindset isn’t about ignoring obstacles. It’s about recognizing that, despite them, you still have choices.
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Just start with one shift. One action. One way to make the most of the time you do have. Because no matter your circumstances, your 24 hours are yours to use. The question is, how will you use them?