In our lifetime we have one resource that is definitely limited. I am talking about the time in our life. Once we actually realize it – we start using our time differently.
From my personal experience I know that life can end sooner than we imagine.
It requires discipline and a strong mindset to not waste this precious resource too much.
I believe time is actually the most wasted resource on our planet. Let us be honest here: how many things have not been invented, how many books not been written, how much art not been created because that time was not used for these things. (I know I sound a lot like Prince Ea here – shoutout too him!)
Often very good and productive thoughts come from a quiet moment.
While I was doing social work last year I had clear and quiet moments to think. I used those moments to develope my blog idea and topics I wanted to write about.
Because we live in a capitalistic system – time has become an exchange rate. Most people exchange their time for money. The absurd reality is that a lot of money grants you a lot of free time.
In order to get money first you have to give in a lot of time. If you view time as an exchange rate you should choose wisely how you exchange it.
The positive aspect about this resource is our own opportunity how to use it.
Using it in a productive rather than distractive way is one solution. Enjoying the precious free time and doing things that are valuable for your body, mind and soul – going for walks, having a good talk with a friend, writing a letter or reading a good book – those things will benefit you in the long run.
I catch myself often – wasting my time. Spending hours watching videos or using the smartphone.
I often feel guilty and ashamed in front of myself when I ponder over it. There is no benefit in regretting but it is important to recognize when we do not use our time in a way that is good for us.
It happens probably to most people that there are phases where we are not most productive.
For me it is very hard to write more than 30 minutes very concentrated. Small breaks are important and can actually be helpful. The problem occurs when these breaks become too long and hence make you lazy and procrastinating.
Kicking yourself in the butt and going back to productive time use require brainpower and endurance which is DISCIPLINE.
For me discipline means not to lie to yourself. I do it quite often and then I do distractive things because I say to myself – well I write that article tomorrow.
But if you look yourself in the mirror and admit to yourself that you can do better it is a step towards using time more wisely.
Some successful friends of mine astonish me. They exchange a lot of their time for money. They have very good salaries but when I call them to hang out they usually say they are busy. This is so paradox to me. Living in a society where you work in your most active years so that you have free time when you are 65 and older!
My philosophy is to enjoy life and take timeouts whenever possible. Our fears of insecurity own us and therefore we spend the majority of our adulthood in jobs we do not even like.
Every single one of us has the power of choice. We can change things every single day!
When it comes down to time we should be very conscious how to spend and use it. Especially quiet moments without technological distraction are very important for our inner peace and happiness.
At the end of the day this is what we all want, right?!
I read a quote lately which says:
“True wealth are stories to tell instead of things to show.”
I like this quote and encourage everyone to live by it.
If we use our time wisely and spend it with people that matter to us and also take timeouts and travel on our own we will have many stories to tell.
I personally do not possess many valuable things. But I will turn 30 this year and travelled to every continent but one.
If I would die tomorrow, I can gladly say, I lived my life to the fullest and did not waste the majority of my lifetime in a meaningless job to earn money in order to buy things I do not need.
This philosophy is something I developed over the years. After I read Erich Fromm´s book “To have or to be?” a lot of things became clear for me.
We are here “to be” and enjoy our lifetime especially living in a high privileged society with all the opportunities been given.
Putting it into practice is not so easy. When you do not choose a regular career and lifestyle you will always hear people, who doubt you and those never ending negative voices. Important is that you do not doubt yourself and do not listen to other people´s opinions too much.
Use your time right. You should decide every moment of your spare time how to you use it in a way that makes you happy. The life you live is yours and no one else´s – period! The time in it is your precious resource. And you are the one in charge how to spend and use it.
Go write that book you always wanted to write. Travel to the place you always dreamed of and learn a language you always wanted to speak. And remember every day brings new opportunity!