The Myth of the ‘Right Time’ to Learn

Let’s be honest—how many times have you told yourself, “As soon as I finish this project, I’ll finally get started on learning [X]”? I’ve been there more times than I care to count. Maybe you have, too. We hang our hopes on some magical break, a gap in the noise, a week where things quiet down. But here’s the uncomfortable truth I’ve bumped into (over and over): that perfect moment? It almost never arrives.

the “right time” is a myth. Life and work will always expand to fill every available minute, and the longer you delay professional growth, the easier it is for that “maybe next quarter” to quietly become next year—or never.

What actually shifted things for me wasn’t more time magically appearing—it was realizing that you don’t find time; you make time for learning. The people who make real progress? They aren’t less busy. They just choose to prioritize learning, even when it’s inconvenient, even when it feels like everything else is more urgent.

This isn’t just personal anecdote—it’s everywhere.

One tool that changed the way I approach this is the Eisenhower Matrix. It helps you sort what’s urgent versus what’s important—and professional development almost always lands in that ‘important but not urgent’ box. Which makes it all too easy to overlook unless you actively carve out space for it.

The industry is catching on, too. The concept of learning in the flow of work (LIFOW) is gaining traction. Instead of treating learning as a separate event, LIFOW means weaving skill-building into your everyday routine—a practical shift for teams who are spread thin or constantly shifting gears.

Why We Delay: The Psychology Behind Procrastinating Learning

Let’s dig deeper: why do so many of us put off learning? It’s rarely just about being “busy.” There’s a tangle of invisible forces at work here.

One big culprit? The lure of fresh starts—the fantasy that things will be easier after this week, or once a big deadline passes, or when we come back from vacation. Our brains crave clean slates. But real life almost never hands them out. There’s always another fire to put out or some new demand cropping up just as one fades.

Overwhelm is another classic barrier. Starting something new—especially if it sits just outside your comfort zone—can feel intimidating. I’ve felt it myself: that quiet nudge to avoid the discomfort of not knowing, or of not being instantly good at something. Procrastination becomes a kind of protective shield, sparing us from immediate discomfort but quietly stealing our long-term growth.

In plain terms, procrastination means putting something off even though we know there’s a cost. Psychology Today explains why we procrastinate: our brains are hardwired for quick rewards—not distant payoffs—so it’s easier to focus on what feels urgent right now and push future investments off until “later.” That’s why psychological roadblocks like fear of failure or craving instant gratification can feel so insurmountable, as described by Moose Jaw Psychology’s analysis of why we delay important tasks.

Daniel Kahneman’s ‘two-system’ model shines a light here: System 1 (fast, automatic thinking) nudges us away from discomfort and risk; System 2 (slow, deliberate thinking) is what lets us pause and choose growth with intention. Spotting when you’re slipping into autopilot is half the battle—it gives you a chance to step back and steer towards progress instead of defaulting to avoidance.

And then there’s social pressure—the feeling that you always need to be available or that team needs must trump your own development. Even in workplaces that talk about upskilling, reality often rewards those who put out the most fires first.

Recognizing these patterns matters. Once you see how waiting for perfect conditions is a trap, you can start making different choices—shifting both your mindset and your daily habits toward steady growth. For more on how hidden psychological blocks can keep you stuck—and practical ways to move past them—discover actionable strategies for overcoming learning struggles.

From Intention to Action: A Playbook for Making Time for Learning

If waiting for the right time doesn’t work, what does? Here’s where things can actually get simpler than you might think.

Here’s my practical playbook for making time for learning—even if your days feel packed:

• Schedule it like an unmissable meeting.
  Block out dedicated time on your calendar for learning—just like you would for an important client call or performance review. Treat this time as non-negotiable (yes, even with yourself).
• Do it before interruptions begin.
  For most of us, mornings are when things are quietest—before emails start pinging or Slack lights up. Carve out 30 minutes for focused study before the day takes over. This small act protects your learning from the daily rush.
• Keep it small and manageable.
  You don’t need to block out hours every day to make real progress. Even 30 minutes a week can build serious momentum over time. From my own experience, small and steady always wins over grand but unsustainable bursts. If you want inspiration on how tiny steps can lead to remarkable outcomes, explore the power of small wins for big goals.
• Prioritize consistency over intensity.
  The urge to binge-learn is real—but it almost always leads straight to burnout or frustration. Repetition matters more than marathon sessions: 30 minutes a week for six months adds up to more than 26 hours of focused learning.

• Address work guilt proactively.
  Worried about taking time away from “real” work? Have an open conversation with your manager or team lead about your development goals. Most organizations are more supportive than you’d think—they know upskilling pays off for everyone.

Building these habits isn’t about superhuman discipline—it’s about making your environment work for you so that learning becomes automatic. As Bruce C. Rudy observed, “If you want learning to happen, you have to make it easy—and expected—for people to engage in it as part of their daily work.” Read more on integrating learning into workflows.

Every single time you choose action over avoidance—even baby steps—you’re literally rewiring your brain. Each small win chips away at fear and makes progress feel less daunting, according to Psychology Today’s research on breaking procrastination cycles. Every forward step counts more than you might think.

If you ever find yourself feeling stuck after missing a planned study session or falling off track—remember, setbacks are part of the process. Learn how to reset after missing a day and get back on track.

Real-World Momentum: Stories of Professionals Who Made Learning Happen

Theory is useful—but what does actually making time for learning look like in the wild? Across industries and roles, I’ve seen people break out of the waiting cycle by carving out regular moments for growth.

Take the project manager who set her alarm just 20 minutes earlier each morning so she could study for her PMP certification before her day got busy. Even when deadlines piled up, she stuck with her routine—and six months later, she passed her exam and landed a promotion leading bigger teams.

Or consider the software engineer who started a recurring “learning lunch” twice per week—no marathons, just microlearning during his break. Over a year, he picked up new languages and frameworks that made him more valuable (and marketable).

Then there’s the HR specialist who negotiated one hour per week during company time for professional development. Her commitment set a new norm in her department—and she grew her skills while supporting her team’s success.

What all these stories share isn’t lighter workloads—in fact, most had plenty on their plates—but a willingness to start small and stay consistent no matter how busy life became.

Looking back at my own journey studying for cloud certification, I remember thinking things would slow down after my current project wrapped up. But there was always another project waiting in the wings. It took me six months—six months of saying “soon”—to realize that nothing was going to change unless I did. That simple shift—from waiting for time to making time—was what finally broke the cycle and got me moving forward again.

If you’re seeking more examples of how everyday professionals turn intentions into action (and why even tiny moves matter), see why big goals start with small moves for actionable insights.

Overcoming Barriers: Guilt, Workload, and Securing Support

Let’s pause here—because even with a plan in place, real barriers remain: guilt over using work hours for your own growth, overwhelming workloads that leave little energy at day’s end, or uncertainty about whether management will back your efforts.

First off: learning isn’t selfish—it’s a strategic investment in your future and your organization’s success. The best companies know employee growth is what drives innovation and retention in the long run.

If guilt sneaks in, try reframing how you see learning time: instead of viewing it as “taking away from work,” see it as equipping yourself to solve bigger problems and contribute more over time.

Workload roadblocks are real—I get it. One workaround is choosing shorter blocks (think 15–30 minutes) and fitting them into routines like commuting or right after lunch when energy dips anyway.

• Communicate openly: Share your learning goals and how they’ll benefit your team or department.
• Use what’s already available: Tap into professional development hours or tuition reimbursement programs if your company offers them.
• Build alliances: If colleagues want to upskill too, suggest group sessions or knowledge-sharing lunches—it creates accountability and momentum for everyone involved.

A simple framework that helps in these conversations is ‘Start-Stop-Continue’: clarify what you’ll start (dedicated learning time), stop (less impactful tasks), and continue (core responsibilities). This shows commitment both to growth and team priorities—and helps others see learning as integral rather than extra.

By facing these barriers head-on—and seeking support—you not only make it easier for yourself but also open doors for others around you to grow with purpose.

If procrastination is an especially stubborn obstacle in your life or team culture, discover how to turn procrastination into positive momentum with practical strategies that move you forward.

Taking the First Step Today

Here’s where all this comes together: making time for learning isn’t about waiting until life slows down—it’s about deciding growth starts now with whatever time you’ve got.

You don’t need a grand plan or weeks of prep work. Sometimes all it takes is one minute—open your calendar and block off thirty minutes next week dedicated solely to something that excites you. That single act signals—to yourself and others—that your development matters here and now.

Behavioral science supports this: making a public commitment (even just telling a colleague or posting your goal) makes follow-through far more likely. A simple message creates positive pressure that keeps momentum going.

Progress may feel slow at first—but those small steps add up quickly. Consistency trumps intensity every time when it comes to mastering new skills and moving your career forward.

If you’re curious about how revisiting foundational concepts can reignite motivation when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, see why revisiting the basics matters more than ever on the journey to steady growth.

So let me ask: What will you finally make time for? Whether it’s data analysis, public speaking, earning a new certification—or something entirely different—commit today, because waiting for the “right time” only ever leads to more waiting.

Every expert was once a beginner who chose action over hesitation. The ‘right time’ is now—take that first small step and see how consistent effort opens doors you never imagined.