Time is funny. Sometimes it seems to fly by ... and other times it almost seems to stand still.
Everyone has the same 24 hours in each day. Some use it better than others.
Sometimes we are conscious of how we use this precious resource. Sometimes it gets away from us.
Here is a video that illustrates how most of us spend our time. It is called The Time You Have (In JellyBeans).
zefrank via YouTube
The average life expectancy for men in the U.S. is 76.
How many amazing vacations do you have left? How many jaw-dropping moments? How many fantastic meals? How many Super Bowls?
What about time with your parents or older relatives. It's easy to forget to call, or to miss an important event because "life happens" but if you realize you may have already used 95% of your in-person time with that person ... doesn't it become more special?
In my TEDx talk, I mentioned "living like you only have a year left," and how much more "life" we got out of the last part of my dad's life.
That is an example, but I want to take it one step further.
To start, think of some of the activities you do, places you go, experiences you have that are special and make you feel like your best self.
- Hitting flow-state and creating something new and exciting;
- Taking an amazing vacation and experiencing something completely new;
- Having a moment with someone you love that makes you stop and say - Wow!
- Making a difference in someone's day or giving back to your community;
- Experiencing peace and relaxation;
- Feeling pure joy.
It's easy to get lost and take for granted these moments when they happen, but when you think about how much time you have left they take a whole new meaning.
How can you maximize the time you have left? Fill it with the best experiences, activities, and people you can.
To start, think about different time frames:
- What activities could you commit to doing at least once a year?
- What activities could you commit to doing at least once a month?
- What activities could you commit to doing at least once a week?
- What activities could you commit to doing at least once a day?
Make those lists ... it is a simple way to get a better return on the time value of your life.
Seriously, try it.
Let me know how it worked for you – and what you chose.
Onwards!
