I am often asked what I like to do in my free time. I understand the point of the question, but I think there is a flaw in the wording.

To be honest, I don't believe there is such a thing as "free" time. The vacations I take, the life-planning time I reserve, the days I spend with my sons – I paid for those. I paid for them by optimizing the time I put in on my business.

From my perspective there is no "penance" time either, because I value the time I spend on my work too. I think we rob ourselves of a considerable portion of our lives when we make such value distinctions between work and personal time; between spending time on the things we love and "putting in the time" at the office. It's all life and it should all be rich and meaningful.

And as much as we like to say that the important things in life are not about money, the fact is money and time are inextricably linked and go a long way in determining the quality of our lives. Whether we like it or not economics play a huge part in determining our choices. You don't get to spend a summer donating your services in impoverished areas (or spend Friday playing golf, for that matter) unless you have your finances in order. Time and money govern the choices we have in life – and we have choices in how we make the most of our time and money.

When you are fully in the moment with everything you do, as well as, committed to optimizing the economic value of your time, you empower all aspects of your life. Spend the right time on the things that allow you to drive that value higher and suddenly all the dimensions of an ideal life – the time with family, friends, faith and all things that make your life meaningful – become possible.


Be first to post a comment