The Value of Time
Time: it flies by so quickly and there never seems to be enough of it. The older I get the more and more I am reminded that time is our most valuable resource. How we spend our time and who we spend it with becomes more important as our lives grow busier and more full.
This topic seems to be coming up in conversation over and over again between my friends and family and other entrepreneurs I know. Life can get so fast paced that we can forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments. With so many commitments and deadlines it becomes important to become selective with how we spend our time. Whether you're heading out for a date night or get together with friends or taking some quiet time at home with a good book, it's so important to remember to be in the moment and enjoy the time as you spend it.
I wear my Tissot T-Wave as a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. I’ve grown to appreciate the simple functionality of owning a classic timepiece. I don’t need to be distracted by notifications and messages on my phone when all I need to check is the time. The plus sign logo on the watch symbolises the Swiss quality and reliability of Tissot since 1853. These are two attributes that I appreciate more and more as I get older. I appreciate the value and quality of my watch the way I value my time. I know that I can count on my watch to carry through my busy day and allow me to feel stylish as I enjoy being in the moment!
So how do we slow down and enjoy the moment when time seems to be flying by?! I've learned a few helpful strategies that help me. And while I'm by no means the master of these, I find that when I do incorporate these tips into my life that I feel a little more in control of my time.
Put down the phone and be in the moment
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I'm all for the occasional text or email when you're with someone (after all, life happens) but when the person you're with is constantly on their phone, it's just rude and annoying. I try to put my phone on silent and set it aside when I'm in a meeting or out with my friends and family. Without my phone as a distraction not only do the people I'm with feel more valued, I'm also able to fully be in the moment and enjoy my experience without distraction.
Learn to say no
This one has been a work in progress for me for a long time and is the concept I struggle with the most. There are only so many hours in a day which means there are only so many commitments you can take on. Saying no to an invitation or project or get together doesn't make you a bad person. By learning to say no you avoid overbooking yourself and save yourself stress and burnout. Say yes to opportunities that excite you. Say yes to invitations with people you love to spend time with and don't be afraid to say "no but maybe another time" if your schedule is too booked. The first few times are hard but once you say no and enjoy a more relaxed schedule, you'll be able to enjoy your time and be present in the moment rather than stressing over everything else you need to do and where else you should be.
Take time for yourself
This last tip is probably the most important - taking time for yourself. Self care is so important. Whatever your self care looks like - whether that means a night at home binge watching your favourite Netflix show or diving into a good book or going out for a run or to a yoga class, take the time you need to do something that fills you up and re-energizes you.
What ways do you take control of your time?
