In my article Your Day Is Your Own: 4 Keys To Improving It, I wrote about the importance of not wasting time. I’ve always been a prolific time waster. It was true when I write it two months ago, and it’s true today, although less so.
I’ve decided to let myself off the hook for a few things. I now believe that you can waste time productively. The key is to figure out what your own definition of wasted time is.
For myself, wasted time is time that takes me away from my goals. Here are a few things I’m working on:
- Being a good father
- Being a good husband
- Being happy
- Being kind
I’m not including my physical goals here, because I find that they follow the goals I’ve just written above. They must come second to peace of mind. Peace of mind means taking my small pleasures when I can.
If watching TV for an hour keeps me sane, then I don’t feel guilty about it, provided that I’ve spent enough time playing with my little boy.
If I want to surf the Internet pointlessly for a while, I don’t feel wasteful–as long as I’ve done enough to help my wife and am not neglecting my responsibilities.
To me, wasted time is time that is neither productive or enjoyable. Obsessing about goals isn’t healthy. Being miserable isn’t healthy either.
Take some time and figure out what your own definition of wasting time is. Then get your head on straight, make some goals, and enjoy yourself as often as you can.
I’ll be doing the same.
Josh
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Are you really 6’8″?
Yeah, but I have bad posture. I’m probably about 5’6 with the stooping.
Josh:
I enjoyed your insights about wasting time. Now that I am “in transition” and have a little more time on my hands, I’ve been wrestling with the idea of wasting time. Yes, I’ve probably wasted my share of time, too. Your post reminds me that wasting time (and doing less) can sometimes be useful
I agree with your sentiments. I also make sure I hit my targets early in the day (and don’t set too many) so I can always have time to spend with my significant others. And so I can relax.
Very cool. How do you know when you’ve set too many targets?