Stop Spending Time - Start Investing It

The concept of "spending time" is deeply instilled in all of us, resulting in the belief that time is currency, like money. But the notion is false because time is not money. If it were it could be replaced, and perhaps more significantly, be increased. But time can only be subtracted. That's a stark contrast that warrants greater discussion.

It's easy to take time for granted. When busy, the seconds, minutes, hours, and days can seamlessly run together. Without notice or warning the end of another year is upon us. Its arrival marks the departure of  possibilities that were well within reach on January 1st.

Questioning where the time went is natural. Making an effort to make the most of it is not. Because we can't recall time lost by looking back, we must become more mindful of the fleeting and precious nature of time moving forward. This is done by embracing the philosophy of investing time, instead of spending it.

When we consciously respect time as a commodity by its second definition: a useful or valuable thing, as opposed to its first - a product that can be bought or sold - we can then view and approach it in terms of its utility. To that end, we are compelled to build with it. And nothing is more important than the relationships we build, and the investments we make in them.

Investing time in ourselves, work, and relationships is the trifecta of life. In each area, the return on the investment reflects worthiness via the time we dedicate. A minimal investment in any of these areas ensures a minimal return. There's no getting around it.

Our conscious awareness of time, and prudent use of it, can effectively prevent the squandering it on trivial pursuits, meaningless activities, and irrelevant people. Then, and only then, can we experience untold dividends from the sound investment of time.