Don’t Waste This One Thing; It’s Your Most Valuable Asset

He said, “it’s Relationships”. I said, “it’s Time”.   I know I’m right but I’ll give him a close second.

My friend and I were “discussing” our most valuable asset. His business is based on relationships, as is mine, so I understand where he’s coming from.

But I know I’m right because I can confidently say that I can replace a client. I can replace a friend. I can mend or woo back a relationship; but I can never, ever, get back the second or the minute or the hour that sits behind me. It’s impossible.  Once a moment of “time” is gone.  It’s gone FOREVER.

Time is more than money

Now maybe you haven’t thought about time as an asset, but there’s a saying that “time is money”.  I believe this is true.

As an entrepreneur I get paid for the value I create for my clients.  If I don’t use time effectively and efficiently, I don’t create value, and the money stops flowing.  Every morning I flip on the switch of my computer and I remind myself that I need to protect my most valuable asset.  I remind myself that I need to be a steward of my time.

You don’t have to run a business to know that “time is money”.   Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat – all these apps provide “free” content so that they can take your most valuable asset.   You’re paying them with your time.   

But that’s not the big point I”m trying to make.  If you’re not managing your time, you’re actually giving away something FAR MORE valuable than money.

Do you know what that is?  I’ll tell you:

You’re giving away your LIFE.

I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s true. You’re literally giving away your life. You give away:

Time with those you love.

Time to love and serve others.

Time to do something significant with your gifts.

Time to make the world a better place.

Time to be something more than you are today.

Use your life wisely

I’ve experienced this reality in a painful way.  People I knew and loved didn’t get to play out the rest of their life.  One day they woke-up, and life took a very  unexpected turn.

If they had been given the chance to change how they had spent their time, they’d take a “do-over”.

If their loved ones had known what was going to happen, they too would take a “do-over” on those last words, last hug, or last kiss.

The average American life expectancy is 78.6 years old. Two of the four people I’m thinking of never made it there.   We think we can beat the odds, but will we?

We think we have plenty of time to do what we want to do.  But do we?

So next time someone calls and wants to chat; or asks to have a quick cup of coffee; or wants to pick your brain, ask yourself, “is this a good use of the time that’s been given to me?”

Next time you find yourself binging on Netflix or watching singing cats on YouTube, ask yourself, “is this making the world a better place?”

And next time you find yourself getting sucked into the lives of others through a social media app, ask yourself, “is this making my life all that it can be?”

A little awareness can go a long way.  Make the most of your life and steward the time given to you, it’s the most important asset you have.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Be Wise and Successful…

1. Be intentional.  At the beginning of each day write out your top three to-dos and schedule your time to achieve those goals.  

2. Be protective.  Become aware of how much time you’re spending on apps and activities that aren’t moving you towards being wise and more successful in life.  

3. Read this post.   Make your life happen for you  Be proactive with planning your life, not reactive.