Upgrade Your Relationship with Time

Time, in all its forms - clocks, calendars, etc. - was invented by humans to bring some certainty to an uncertain world. 

As a tool, it helps us locate ourselves in sequential tasks, so we can focus our efforts and hold ourselves (and others) more accountable. 

It’s neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad,’ but we all seem to agree that it’s a finite resource.

…which means popular efforts to ‘hack’ the 24 hour workday are a little like trying to turn a measuring stick into a magic wand!

So while we cannot change time, we can upgrade our relationship with it.

Upgrade Your Relationship with Time

In the 1970s, the so-called ‘Good Samaritan’ study examined how seminary students behaved around a person in-need under various time constraints. It found that:

Participants who were told they were “late” were far less likely to stop and help someone obviously in need.

For those of us working in hard-charging organizations, leading deadline-driven projects, and cooperating inside busy families, the finding implies that: 

The more we worry about time, the more likely we are to overlook our relationships and miss opportunities to make a positive impact.

So, how can you (and your people) upgrade your relationship with time?

1. Start thinking about your time as though it were your life force energy.

Notice where your relationship with time is depleting your life force energy.

Then, notice where your relationship with time is depleting the energy of those around you. Get humble. Get curious.

2. Figure out what you’d prioritize if you already knew your time was limited.

Re-allocate your time accordingly, or redesign your time based on your core values, so that your time is made up of more energy-giving experiences.

3. Ask your team members what they need to be fully present in the allotted time (e.g. meetings)

By working with them to assess how much time (and what kind of time!) is truly needed, you can adjust plans accordingly and become their consistent advocate.

4. Commit your future time as diligently as you commit your present time.

Don’t discount the value of your time 3, 6, or 12 months from now. The demands on your time will likely be similar, so if you aren’t energized about committing your time today, it’s unlikely you’ll be more energized as time goes on. (And this is as important for you as it is for any team or organization you lead!)