Time is one of the few finite resources we have in our lives. Though we happily trade it for all sorts of things, we can’t get it back once spent.
Little by little, sand flows through the hourglass. Hours turn into days, which turn into weeks, and months, and years, and decades. Before we know it, our most precious resource is nearly gone, and we are left to ponder the choices we’ve made over the years.
And though time doesn’t wait for anyone, there is good news. Through better choices and sound judgment, we can become more effective and use our time better.
In this post, we’ll go over the value of time and how to manage it effectively.
The Value of Time
Consider the current moment for a second:
You’re investing some of your time right now to read this post. Whether you have nothing better to do, are waiting for something (or someone), or are actively interested in learning about the subject, I thank you. It means a lot.
But think about this:
The time you’re investing right now will be gone, and you won’t be able to get it back. Does this mean that you should stop reading and do something else? No. It means that you should spend your time to improve the quality of your life and invest this precious resource in fulfilling activities.
How Freeing Up Time Improves Quality of Life
We’ve all had this feeling like there aren’t enough hours of the day. The to-do list keeps growing, pressing matters ask for our attention all of the time, and we often feel like the days fly by in an instant. Stress piles, we feel overstimulated all of the time, we can’t relax, and it even disrupts our sleep.
And sure, today’s hustle culture is all about grinding - doing more work, sleeping less, and not taking vacations for years on end. But the truth is, leisure time is vital. If nothing else, freeing up time allows us to breathe. It gives us a chance to relax, unwind, and spend time on fun and recharging activities.
In doing so, we can dissipate some of the stress that builds up, allowing us to tackle each new day with vigor, enthusiasm, and motivation.
How to Save Our Time Effectively: 3 Golden Tactics
No single solution will work perfectly for everyone because we are all different. But generally, three tactics work great:
1. Learn to say ‘No.’
I know. Saying no feels incredibly uncomfortable. But one of the best ways to boost your productivity, save time, and do the most important things is to say no every day.
Each day comes with its challenges, and everyone wants a piece of our time and energy. Our job is to determine what is and isn’t worth our time and respond accordingly.
2. Become more efficient.
Efficiency is about figuring out the most optimal way to finish our tasks. We often fall for the trap of ‘being busy,’ but that doesn’t ensure productivity or efficiency.
Because of that, we must actively look at our days and how we are spending our time. Can you do some things more efficiently? Perhaps you can rearrange your tasks to save time? Or maybe you can cut off some distractions?
On a similar note:
3. Outsource.
Outsourcing is a crucial part of time management, and it’s something you need to use. Take a look at everything you’re doing in a day and ask yourself, “Should I be doing this?” When possible, outsource some tasks and free up time.
At LiveFreshr we’re doing our bit to help with this last one. Let our meal kits help you put your health and nutrition on autopilot. Instead of worrying about what to cook and when to find the time for it, we prepare everything and deliver it to your doorstep.