The irony of ‘more time’ – be W.I.S.E.R
I get asked all the time about time management, priorities, getting more done in less time, and variations thereof. I'd say at least 1,000 times. So I decided last week to write a book on it, which should be finished by Monday. How you manage your time dictates the quality of your life. Here is a chapter of the new book "Routine = Results". I hope you like:
#4. The irony of ‘more time’ – be W.I.S.E.R
Be honest, what would you do if there were 25 hours in a day?
Most people would fill it with the same shit they’ve filled the previous 24 with.
People think they need more time. They don’t. And you don’t. Or at least you don’t need to need more time. Let go of this fantasy. Catch yourself out when you say it, and give yourself a slap. You’ve had all this time already. Remember the paradox of time; the more you are given the less scarcity there is to do much with it. You need to maximise the time you have.
There are 5 ways to experience time. I call is W.I.S.E.R:
1. W.aste
2. I.nvest
3. S.pend
4. E.njoy
5. R.est
1. W.aste
You know when you waste time, because you have an internal feedback mechanism of your emotions to tell you. Given too much time, people tend to have no scarcity to do much with it. The longer a deadline, the less urgency there is to get productive things done until the last days or hours. Wasted time could be arguing, defending, envy, needless spending, unnecessary worry, doing jobs for others that don’t serve you, some procrastination and things you strongly dislike. The forthcoming chapters of this book will help you minimise time wastage, and therefore the frustration and guilt that comes after the wasted time.
2. I.nvest
Time that gives a recurring, residual and/or passive benefit. ‘Use’ the time once and ‘earn’ on it on an ongoing basis, maybe even forever? Time that gives security, freedom, leverage and fulfilment. This could be raising your kids, social or familial time you enjoy, planning, property investment, building a business, creating systems, hiring, leading and inspiring people, education or philanthropy. If it gives you a physical or emotional ongoing return, it is time invested.
3. S.pend
Spent time is time that gives some return to you, but no ongoing, residual benefit. This is often necessary, like working for a living, house and DIY chores, taxiing the kids all over the world, travelling and more. If you can move some of your spent time into invested time, then you will preserve the precious commodity that keeps counting down through your life.
4. E.njoy
Time to do what you love. Time to play, travel and create. Time to exercise, learn, read and socialise. Whatever it means to you. A well balanced, Routine = Results life will enable you to merge your invested and enjoyment time together, to do what you love, and love what you do. To merge your passion and profession, vocation and vacation. It is possible, if you plan your life in the right way.
5. R.est
I’ve changed my tune on this as I have matured like a stinky cheese. I used to work-work-work, even taking pride or boasting about how hard I worked. This was from my mid 20s to early 30s. My only rest was when I got ill once a year due to burn out. We all need time to rest and recover, as long as it doesn’t drift off into wasted time. Sometimes rest time can be invested time, like strategy, planning, setting goals, holidays. Or it can be pure rest like time with loved ones, time to recharge, plan, think, make space, observe, calibrate and be present to breathe in everything that gives life colour and meaning to.
As we move forward to creating your results routine, be more aware and W.I.S.E.R of where you are spending using your time, how you can minimise wastage and leverage time together like I.nvest and E.njoy. You are a master of your time destiny, as long as you know the difference between busy, productive and efficient.
(Anything you would like to add or ask?)
Rob