The Value of Time: Why You Should Never Let Anyone Disrespect Yours.

Time is one of the most valuable resources we have, yet it’s often taken for granted. People tend to underestimate its importance, not only for themselves but for others as well. But let me tell you something: the value of time always depends on the context, and no matter what, you should never let anyone disrespect yours. I want to share a personal story with you that might shed light on why this topic is so important to me.

Every time my family and I plan a walk, I make it clear to my kids and friends that we have a specific time to get organized. When the clock strikes that time, we leave—no delays. It might sound strict, but it’s essential. Why? Because this creates a framework for the kids where they must manage all the resources available to them in order to be ready on time. This isn’t just about being punctual—it’s a lesson in teamwork, responsibility, and organization.

For my children, it’s a valuable experience. They learn to take care of things like water bottles for everyone, preparing bags, and asking their mother if she needs help with the food. It’s a small, everyday scenario, but it teaches them to respect the time of others. On a personal level, each of them is responsible for dressing properly, grabbing a book or a game for the trip, and ensuring everything is in order. What’s the payoff? More time to enjoy the actual trip—because the organization is just a means to an end, not the goal itself.

Time in Business: An Overlooked Asset

Interestingly, I’ve come to realize that, in many ways, children have more respect for time than adults. As these children grow up and step into the adult world, everything seems to change—and not for the better. I’ve experienced this time and time again in my career as a business strategist. People set meetings, deadlines, or milestones, and when it comes down to it, they don’t stick to them. This disregard for time not only causes frustration but can also lead to significant financial and emotional costs.

Let me give you a few examples from the business world that emphasize the cost of disrespecting time:

• Work Meetings: You agree to a meeting time, and the other party shows up late, cutting into your schedule and leaving you scrambling to adjust. You’ve prepared, you’re ready, but they weren’t respectful of the time you both agreed upon. A study by Doodle in 2019 found that inefficient meetings cost U.S. businesses $399 billion in lost productivity each year. The cost isn’t just about time—it’s about missed opportunities, delayed decisions, and wasted resources.
• Project Deadlines: Imagine being promised that a project will be delivered by a specific date, but the deadline comes and goes with no result. It’s more than a delay—it’s a breakdown in trust. For example, a report by the Project Management Institute showed that missed deadlines are a leading cause of project failure, contributing to $122 million wasted for every $1 billion invested in U.S. projects. Deadlines matter not only for the delivery of a project but also for maintaining the momentum and morale of the team involved.
• Pilots and Launches: In my own experience, whether it’s a software pilot or the launch of a new product, timelines are critical. When schedules are pushed back, the ripple effect can be felt across multiple teams. This lack of adherence to time commitments can lead to delayed market entry, allowing competitors to move in and seize opportunities that were yours for the taking.

So next time someone disrespects your time, remember this: time is the one resource you can never get back.

The True Cost of Disrespecting Time

So, how much does it really cost when someone decides not to respect your time? The consequences can be huge, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s your clients, partners, or employees, their failure to value your time directly impacts your bottom line, your mental energy, and your ability to focus on what matters most.

It’s easy to dismiss lateness or delays as minor inconveniences, but they add up. Time is not just money—it’s also credibility and trust. When someone misses a deadline or shows up late, they aren’t just wasting your time; they’re eroding your trust in them and damaging your professional relationship.

Case in Point: The Domino Effect of Delays

I once worked with a team on a product launch that had a tight schedule. Every day mattered, and we had all the resources aligned—marketing, production, customer support—ready to go. But one partner didn’t deliver on time. The result? A domino effect that delayed our launch by several weeks. Those weeks allowed a competitor to release a similar product first, forcing us to play catch-up. The lost revenue? In the hundreds of thousands. The lost momentum? Priceless.

Why You Should Never Let Anyone Waste Your Time

At this point, you may be wondering—how do you prevent others from wasting your time? The key is to set boundaries, be clear about expectations, and hold people accountable. If someone consistently disrespects your time, it’s important to address it directly. Whether it’s in business or personal life, time is the one resource you can never get back.

Here are a few strategies to protect your time:

• Set Clear Expectations: When setting up meetings, deadlines, or collaborations, be crystal clear about what is expected and when. Make sure everyone understands the impact of not adhering to agreed-upon timelines.
• Hold People Accountable: If someone fails to respect your time, don’t just let it slide. Address it directly, and make it clear that time is not a negotiable asset.
• Be Punctual Yourself: Lead by example. If you’re always on time and respect other people’s time, they are more likely to do the same for you.
• Say No When Necessary: Don’t be afraid to turn down commitments or engagements that aren’t a good use of your time. Learning to say no is a powerful way to protect your most valuable resource.

The Importance of Time in Life and Business

In the end, respecting time isn’t just about punctuality—it’s about valuing people, relationships, and opportunities. When we respect time, we respect the potential of what can be achieved in that time. Whether it's a business meeting or a family trip, the value of time is about making the most of every moment, not just for yourself, but for everyone involved.

So next time someone disrespects your time, remember this: time is the one resource you can never get back. Don’t let anyone take it from you. Because at the end of the day, perception is everything, and how people perceive your time reflects how they perceive your value.

Sources:

Doodle, "The State of Meetings Report," 2019.

Project Management Institute, "Pulse of the Profession Report," 2020.

Forbes, "How Time Management Impacts Productivity and Revenue," 2021.