Make time for things that matter

Making time for the things that truly matter is essential for a fulfilling life. We all just have 24 hours in day, and we regularly feel there is simply not enough time.

Embracing our finitude and looking to get the most out of life, here are five key elements to do just that, alongside a perspective on our finite time and embracing imperfection:

1. Prioritization: begin by identifying what truly matters to you - your core values, goals, and relationships. Use these as a compass to guide your decisions and allocate your time. This helps you to differentiate between urgent but unimportant tasks and those that genuinely contribute to your life's purpose. I find that regular journaling seems to allow the brain space for that clarity. I set myself ten pages as a minimum every month.

2. Mindful Living: practice mindfulness to remain present in each moment. This not only enriches your experiences but also helps reduce stress and anxiety about the past or future. By focusing on the now, you gain clarity on what matters most, making it easier to devote time to these areas. Another habit I recommend is a daily meditation; if you are new to this start with 5’ first thing in the morning and just focus on your breathing.

3. Setting Boundaries: learn to say no to activities and commitments that do not align with your priorities. This requires acknowledging your limitations and understanding that your time is finite. By setting clear boundaries, you preserve energy and time for things that truly enrich your life and those of others. Managing our energy is key as this fluctuates during the day.

4. Embrace Imperfection: accept that perfection is neither possible nor necessary. By letting go of the need to do everything perfectly, you release a significant amount of pressure, allowing you to enjoy the process rather than just the outcome – enjoy the process ??. This mindset shifts focus from unattainable perfection to making meaningful memories and impacts.

5. Reflect and Adjust: regularly take time to reflect on how you are spending your time. Are your actions aligned with your values? Are you growing closer to your goals? This ongoing reflection allows for necessary adjustments and helps ensure that your finite time is spent with intention and impact. Again, the practice of journaling is a powerful tool.

Understanding the finiteness of time underscores the importance of not waiting for the "right time" to live a life aligned with what matters most. This awareness encourages a balance between striving toward goals and savouring the present moment, living with intention rather than haste.

By embracing imperfection, we can enjoy life's messiness and serendipity, strengthening our connections with others. Each interaction and experience become an opportunity to make a positive impact, not by being perfect, but by being present and authentic. Remember, it's often our imperfections that make us more relatable and impactful, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level.

Book suggestion: Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Let me know what resonates with you and what suggestions you’ll try to incorporate moving forward. I’d like to know ??.

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Hi, I’m an engineer that 5 years ago moved into the fitness space. Longevity is a field I’m very interested in, and I share my findings with my community.? My team and I coach primarily people in the 40s, 50s and 60s on how to live healthy, build muscle, sleep great and reduce stress by creating great habits and following good protocols.

I’m a marathon runner who loves to lift weights. I follow the hybrid lifestyle; who said that running and lifting can’t go well together? At 57, I believe age is just a number. Mentors such as Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia are world-class scientists who I follow to ensure that my advice and coaching is science-based.