Have you heard that time is money? As I've grown older and a little bit wiser, I've realized just how true that statement really is.
Now in my 40s, I look back over what I did with my time in my 20s and 30s. While I've attained a moderate level of success moving up through the executive ranks, I can see how much time I wasted, and I'm left wondering how much untapped potential I left on the table. Now heading into my 50s, I'm determined to make the best use of my time possible. Minimize the distractions. Focus on what's really important. Focus on what creates lasting value for you, your family, your friends, and the people you want to help. The people you care about. For me, that's about helping orphans and people trapped in poverty mindset and cultures.
Perhaps one of the best books that helped me re-prioritize my time was Robert D. Smith's 20,000 Days and Counting. Robert does a masterful job of explaining the importance of every single day and encouraging us to make the most of each one. By looking at historical figures and seeing what they accomplished with the time they were given, Robert helps us to take an introspective look at what we're doing with our time. Are we using it wisely?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVFzX2gA3Uo&w=560&h=315]
Now, if you desire to become wealthy and you've set your eyes on becoming a millionaire, what you do with your time will affect whether or not you reach either one of your goals. Millionaire or Not. You Can Choose. One of those choices is what you do with your time.
As I mentioned, I wasted a lot of time in my 20s and 30s. I spent a lot of time on video games and watching movies. A lot. How much exactly? A number that I would be embarrassed to share. Fortunately, somewhere in there I found time to squeeze in some personal growth and development time, and through that time was able to reach a moderate level of success. However, I'm still left watching great people like Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone and host of others who've done a much better job focusing and leveraging their time. I'm left wondering what else could I have accomplished if I'd been more focused. Well, I can't do anything about the past, but I can be more purposeful with the future.
The reality is if you want to maximize your life's accomplishments, you need to maximize your time. Time bandits as I like to call them, rob you of your time. They keep you from reaching your peak potential.
Time Bandits. Time bandits rob you of your most important resource. Your time. Whether or not you realize it, time bandits are stealing your future. Minimize the time bandits and you'll maximize your future.
Video games
Reality TV
TV and movies
Overdoing sports tv
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
What other time bandits are stealing your future potential away?
Life Multipliers. Life multipliers help you maximize your "life output." They boost your ability to accomplish really cool things during your lifetime, and ultimately how much you can help other people. By using your time wisely and boosting your performance with life multipliers, you'll leave an impact in your own life, but also on the lives of those around you.
Reading a book (Top CEOs read 50+ books per year)
Listening to a growth podcast (marriage, money, parenting, career)
Hanging out and networking with awesome successful people
Picking up some side work to increase your income. Invest it.
Starting a small business for additional income.
Volunteering to help others in need
Learning something new
Resources to help you rethink and maximize your time for a more successful and purposeful life.
20,000 Days and Counting by Robert D. Smith (Amazon.com)
Halftime by Bob Buford (Amazon.com)
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey (Amazon.com)
Time Bandit vs. Life Multiplier Exercise
So try this...
List out 3 Time Bandits in your life that you're going to remove or reduce.
List out 3 Life Multipliers that you are going to do now that you've squashed the time bandits.
List out what results you hope to accomplish with this change. What will be different in your life in 12 months as a result of this change?
Always remember, your time is one of the most precious assets you have. Don't waste it. Make every minute count no matter what you're doing.
