Time: the most precious commodity

My father used to say that what and who we give our time to, is one of the most important decisions we will have to constantly make throughout our lives. Is it worth spending a week, a month or a year of our time following this, or that pursuit? what will be more fulfilling?, value adding?, makes us happier?, make others happier?, and so on.

In a world that moves faster by the day, one thing remains constant: time is the most precious commodity we possess. Unlike money, which can be earned, saved, and multiplied, time only moves forward, and each passing moment is a non-renewable resource. What we choose to do with our time defines the trajectory of our careers, shapes the relationships we nurture, and ultimately crafts the legacy we leave behind.

Philosophers and thinkers have long contemplated the significance of time. As Seneca, the Roman Stoic philosopher, famously noted, “It’s not that we have a short time to live, but that sometimes, we can waste a lot of it.” ?

Career: The Cost of Time Investment

When considering career decisions, many are torn between the drive for professional success and the desire to maintain a fulfilling personal life. A study by the American Psychological Association highlights that individuals who spend long hours at work often experience increased stress levels, poorer health, and strained relationships. The demands of modern work culture, particularly in high-pressure environments, can easily consume a disproportionate amount of one’s time .

Yet, career success also requires time. Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000-hour rule,” popularized in his book Outliers, suggests that mastering any field requires significant time investment. While the theory has been debated, the essence remains true—excellence demands dedication and focus over extended periods. The challenge, then, is striking a balance where career progression doesn’t come at the cost of personal well-being or relationships. Easier written than done, for me, it has been an aspirational mastery that I strive to reach every day, with ups and downs, its a life journey.

Family: The Irreplaceable Use of Time

Time spent with loved ones is invaluable. Numerous studies have shown that quality family time contributes to emotional well-being and psychological health. The importance of “presence” in family life cannot be overstated. ?

Yet, balancing family and career is no easy feat. The concept of “work-life integration,” as opposed to “work-life balance,” has gained traction. This approach advocates for blending work and family commitments in a way that suits individual needs, acknowledging that the ideal 50/50 split is often unrealistic. Remote work, for example, has allowed many professionals to integrate family time more fluidly into their daily routines, without sacrificing career goals, still maintaining productivity and in some instances improving it.?This to me, has been a major gain and one of the positives from the Covid period.

Personal Fulfillment: Making Time for What Matters

Beyond career and family, time must also be set aside for personal fulfillment. Whether through hobbies, self-care, or personal development, dedicating time to oneself is vital for long-term happiness. ?

Moreover, making time for mindfulness and reflection can help in making better decisions overall. Bill Gates, in a 2019 interview, shared his practice of taking “Think Weeks,” where he retreats to read, reflect, and plan without distraction. Such intentional breaks can provide clarity, reduce burnout, and ensure that one’s time is aligned with personal and professional priorities.?

Making Conscious Decisions

The decisions we make about how to use our time ultimately define our lives. The popular analogy of viewing time as a bank account is fitting: each day, we’re given 24 hours to invest in various “accounts”—career, family, health, and personal fulfillment. The returns on this investment, however, vary significantly based on where we choose to allocate our time.

For professionals, the question becomes: How do we prioritize? The Eisenhower Matrix is a well-known tool that can help individuals categorize tasks by urgency and importance. This framework encourages focusing time on what is both urgent and important, while consciously reducing time spent on activities that are neither.

Time is undeniably the most precious resource we have. The way we manage it has profound effects on every facet of our lives—our careers, families, and personal well-being. By making intentional choices about how we invest our time, we can lead more fulfilling, balanced, and successful lives. After all, at the end of the day, the memories we cherish are often tied to how we spent our time and the decisions we made along the way. As the saying goes, “The key is not in spending time, but in investing it wisely.”

Recommended reads: Malcolm Gladwell – Home | Malcolm Gladwell (gladwellbooks.com)

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell | Hachette Book Group | Malcolm Gladwell (gladwellbooks.com)