Perhaps the most valuable asset we have is Time.\u00a0 Its value is set by the fact that we have a finite supply of it.\u00a0 Equally influential is the reality that there are multiple competing demands for it.\u00a0 These factors contend with one another, the outcome often being that aching feeling that we just don\u2019t have enough of it.\u00a0 Whether it is enough time for sleep, fun, socialization, reading, work, we generally wish we had more of it.<\/p>\n
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The finite nature of time is determined by the cosmological realities that there are only 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year.\u00a0 Our biological limiters include fatigue, the related need for sleep, and the ultimate reality of our impending mortality.\u00a0 The contentious demands that vie for this precious asset include the all too real certainty that most of us have to work in order to survive.\u00a0 Also heavy, are the demands that I refer to as life maintenance tasks: you know, like shopping for food, cooking it, washing the dishes, cleaning and maintaining the home, washing the clothes, paying the bills, etc. etc.\u00a0 These demands, coupled with raising children put a tight and limiting strangle-hold on the typical parent\u2019s time.<\/p>\n
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It is unnecessary to devote too much time to this discussion as the scenario is all too familiar to most of us.\u00a0 It is the implication of this reality that deserves precious thought and consideration.\u00a0 It is important because we can\u2019t and won\u2019t get a refund.\u00a0 We can\u2019t get time back!\u00a0 The choices we make each day pertaining to how we spend our time deserve much more thought than we give them.\u00a0 The time we are very, very fortunate to have, deserves the respect of forethought and proactive contemplation; otherwise, we are likely to squander it.<\/p>\n
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How is time squandered?\u00a0 This, I suppose, is a matter of perspective.\u00a0 One\u2019s perspective is shaped by the choices made in living out one\u2019s life. How are your priorities set?\u00a0 Do you prioritize work [making a living] over, for example, time with family?\u00a0 And do you prioritize life maintenance tasks over exercise?\u00a0\u00a0 There is a transient hierarchical list of priorities we all set, and the reality is that those values further down on the list are sacrificed to accomplish the higher order priorities, regardless of the true value of each priority.\u00a0 The question that begs to be asked is \u201cTo what degree are you an active participant in setting your priorities?\u201d\u00a0 Too often I imagine, the urgent pressing \u201cdemands du jour\u2019 take precedence over even highly valued ones.<\/p>\n
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It is not only profoundly important to take an active roll in establishing one\u2019s own priorities, it is equally important to respect the time of other individuals.\u00a0 This necessitates striking a careful balance, but, that respect is manifested by being punctual, following through on commitments (keeping one\u2019s appointments), and considering the person\u2019s own priorities and demands when tasking that individual.\u00a0 Tardiness and failure to keep commitments is, in effect, valuing one\u2019s own time over the value of those who have agreed to devote their limited and precious time to you.\u00a0 With this in mind, it is fair to conclude that failure to keep such commitments is egregiously disrespectful, even selfish.\u00a0 You are essentially saying, when you are late, that your time is more important than the person\u2019s time with whom you have made a commitment.\u00a0 The truth in this notion is demonstrated by the anger and downright resentment you likely feel when your time is squandered by another.\u00a0 Time is a two way street.<\/p>\n
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So, how do we give Time its due respect, be it yours or another\u2019s?\u00a0 First, you have to look closely at your priorities; and task your life with the ever present notion that you will NOT get a refund.\u00a0 The time you have is a limited and precious commodity with many competing demands.\u00a0 You have the choice: in fact, a powerful cognitive capacity, to prioritize or reprioritize your time.\u00a0 Ask yourself, \u201cWhen this hour, when this day, weekend, or week, is up, will I have spent my time well?\u201d\u00a0 Ask yourself this, knowing that when it is up, you can\u2019t get it back.\u00a0 Will you have the feeling that the expenditure of this precious asset was really worth it.\u00a0 Or was it squandered?\u00a0 Keep in mind that you never really know when your time will be up \u2013 in fact it is unwise to assume that you still have a full lifetime to live.\u00a0 Each day is precious and it brings you another day closer to your ultimate demise.<\/p>\n
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In your dealings with others, apply the golden rule.\u00a0 Show respect for the limited time other\u2019s have and demand respect from them for your\u2019s.\u00a0 However, if you do not proactively prioritize your time, DO NOT assume that others are likewise (for the lack of a better word) negligent.<\/p>\n
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It IS important to devote time to important tasks.\u00a0 Work, life maintenance tasks, these are important \u2013 actually very important.\u00a0 So too are, exercise, fun, relaxation, reading, learning, adventure, companionship, travel, and novelty.\u00a0 The urgency of the former is a tyrannical should that minimizes and often overshadows the importance of the latter.\u00a0 Give the latter their due respect and proactively prioritize them, OR they will fall victim to the deceptively \u201cmore pressing demands.\u201d\u00a0 Give priority to, or at least make a commitment to devoting a good portion of your time to those tasks that will build and expand your mind and strengthen your body.\u00a0 Challenge yourself through adventure to be more.\u00a0 Expect more from life than to be a worker drone tasking away until death comes.\u00a0 Dare not to look back with regret at the lost and irretrievable time that you squandered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Perhaps the most valuable asset we have is Time.\u00a0 Its value is set by the fact that we have a finite supply of it.\u00a0 Equally influential is the reality that there are multiple competing demands for it.\u00a0 These factors contend with one another, the outcome often being that aching feeling that we just don\u2019t have … <\/p>\n