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They say time is money. Here’s the thing, though: you can make lost money back. You can’t say the same for time. So, that saying, quite frankly, is Youniqorn shit. Time is not equal to money. Time is much, much greater than money. Remember, money is only a byproduct of value. And the most valuable thing you have to your name, is your time.

Attention (Your Focus) = Time

Time > Money

Attention (Your Focus) > Money

Next to your mind, your time is your most valuable asset. Without it, you simply cannot have any others. It is your number one currency which you cannot trade or gain but can give and lose. And, once you lose it, you cannot get it back. You just can’t.

This is why it’s imperative to refuse to allow others to waste your time. Even if they’re genuinely sorry for doing so, they can’t hit undo and give you your time back even if they want to.

• Understand opportunity cost. As it implies, this is the cost of taking advantage of an opportunity. When you trade/invest your time into something, you will inevitably be forfeiting an investment in something else because you only have so much time and attention to go around as one person.
  

• So, it’s important to think critically about what is worth your while (focus) and, therefore, worth your time. Do not spend time and energy on things and people who do not positively add to your welfare and purposes.
  
  

• Be stingy and particular with your time. It’s yours and you have a right to use it as you see fit. You have a limited amount that runs out with no guarantee or known expiration date. This is why it’s most imperative that you see and acknowledge your time, your very existence, for what it is: the number one non-renewable and non-refundable source of energy. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. “Yolo”, as they say. Make your decisions count.
  
  

• Plan out your time and measure it. Just like you measure money, budget your time and measure how much of it is being allocated to what. This is an ongoing process and you should have a Time Journal for this reason which you can and should reference every day.

• Always keep the time and be aware of it. Watch it like a massive bank balance, because that’s precisely what it is—and then some. Wear a watch at all times. Get a waterproof one if possible. If you can afford it, a durable, waterproof smart watch is a great investment. Whether your preference is a digital or mechanical watch, get something you like to look at and that enhances your overall physical appearance, as well.
  
  

• When you look at your watch, do not think of it as the time but as your time.

• Keep clocks in every room/living area at home, especially the places you’re in every day, like your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
  

• Decorate your work and living spaces with little time trinkets like dainty hourglasses or charging stations that double as little clock stands. Larger statement clocks are also great conversation pieces that will incentivize you further to always pay attention to your time and still easily catch your attention. That’s one distraction you can happily welcome.
  
  

• You can’t improve what you can’t measure. So, make a habit of timing yourself. Set timers for waking up, work sessions, working out, studying, chores, cooking, recreation, doing nothing, planning, etc. and log this in your Time Journal.
  
  

• Be punctual. Respect the time of others and demand and earn that your time be respected, as well. If a person doesn’t respect your time, newsflash: they don’t respect you! Cut them off.

• Show up early so you’re always prepared and never rushed.
  
  

• Learn to say no.

• Meal and clothes/outfit prep ahead of time (weekly is good) so you don’t have to spend time and mental energy trying to figure out what to eat/wear every day. You’ll save a ton of your time once you make this a lifestyle habit.
  
  

• Get rid of distractions, sometimes even nice, welcome, sexy or otherwise appealing distractions that can become a time suck if they offer little to no return on investment (ROI).
  

• Outsource menial tasks and work to someone else and pay an expert to do what you currently can’t to free up your time to focus on what you can and what you excel at. This is extremely important and sometimes hard to do, but a must if you hope to scale your success and make the most of your time.
  

• Use time management apps, tools, and planners to streamline and improve your process. Check out “My Life in Weeks” to get an actual overview metric of what “forever” actually looks like (especially when you decide to marry someone –a.k.a., “spend the rest of your life with them”.
  
  

• We make time for the things we really want and the things and people we like/are important/we want to make time for. If someone isn’t making time for you or are always too busy to call or answer a text, etc., you are simply not a priority/important to them. Don’t take it personally. Not everyone is important or a priority in your life, either. Focus on those who are and reciprocate the sentiment. Do not make someone a priority when you are simply an option to them. This is extremely fundamental and mastering this will see you rather well off through life in every capacity.
  
  
• Prioritize your time and allocate portions of it only to those who respect it. Allocate the most to yourself. You’re not doing anyone any favors (not even your kids) when you don’t use your own time for yourself.
  
  

• Live and make decisions ultimately for yourself and do what makes you genuinely happy outside of anyone else. No one lives in a vacuum and we’re influenced by others, of course, but living your life for others and being a people-pleaser is the biggest waste of your time and loss of your life because you are giving up your happiness and the person you want to become for others. Happiness is personal and a self-responsibility. It’s not your job to make someone else happy. It’s theirs. Not your parents. Not your kids. Not your siblings. Not your friends. Not your significant other. Considering others in your decisions does not equal living for them. It’s not even close to a fine line. There’s a grand middle ground with plenty of room to salsa dance.
  
  
  
  

So, there we have it. Share one way you protect your time below, and how it’s worked toward building you into the person you want to become.♥