I’ve said this before and will say it again and again:
Time is one of the most valuable things we have. It’s valuable because it’s a scarce resource and thus we must be incredibly strategic with how we use it.
One of the most important results of my minimalist, smart living journey was a change in how I view and deal with time. I realized its value and I try to be a lot smarter with it.
“Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin
It’s a work in progress for sure. Sometime I spend valuable time on things that I know deep down in my heart aren’t worth it, but I just can’t help myself. Like stressing over small things. Working myself up over someone else’s actions. Comparing my career or my own journey to someone else’s completely different path.
But I’ve gotten a lot better with others. I can focus a lot more. I’m able to say NO or I don’t have time for this shit anymore. And I know exactly what IS worth my time.
Try to adopt a smart, strategic mindset and quickly go through this list to see some of the things that aren’t worth your time or effort.
Do not spend a second of your valuable time on
“Friends” who do not support you or talk shit behind your back
The emphasis is on the quote sign. Cut that negativity out of your life immediately.
Guilt over the ice cream you just ate
Life’s about balance. Don’t ruin that moment of joy. Move on.
What if questions. Or what would have been questions
The thing is, we’ll never know. This is exactly the kind of fruitless self-torture most of us need to let go of.
Decisions made in the past
See above.
Dead-end debates
Dead-end debates are conversations that are not constructive, but dumb and repetitive, and frequently end in a shouting match. I’m all for intelligent debates, but there are cases when I’d rather just walk away and not waste my time.
Books you’ve started but are not enjoying. Netflix shows everyone raves about but they bore you
There are a couple of million other options, why suffer?
Over explaining your decisions, action, thoughts
Especially to strangers.
A job you absolutely hate
Most people complain about their jobs, but rarely do anything about it. I know just quitting is not an option for most of us, but if you really hate the job you have to do 40 hours per week, at least try to actively work on creating the possibility to move on.
Tasks you could delegate but still insist on doing
Choose your battles and focus points strategically.
Coming up with and repeating excuses why you cannot do something
Choose a “yes, we can” attitude instead. Focus on the hows.
Worrying about things totally out of your control
Can you do something about it? If not, worrying and stress won’t change that either.
A 3-hours long descent into the black hole that is YouTube
Do I really have to explain?
Comparing your life, career, or body to others
Will it make yours better? Or will you just feel 100 times worse afterwards? The only thing you should aim for is the best version of yourself.
Ads
Develop an instant reaction of clicking away. Ads will just make you feel bad about your life and/or make you want completely unnecessary stuff.
Meetings that should have been an email
Try to plan meetings and stick to that. If you’re convinced there’s no use to a particular meeting opt out (if you can).
Spending an hour before the mirror examining your pores, stretch marks, or smile lines
Find the things you can change with healthy living, working out, and self-care and make peace with rest. And I know it might be a lifelong battle, but it still starts in the mind.
Striving for perfection
Is there even such a thing as perfect? I’m not sure, but I’m convinced an eternal chasing of such an elusive thing is very damaging. Done is better than perfect.
Can you add something?
Also, I feel like we need a more positive “Yes, these things are absolutely worth your time and effort” list.
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I love this! I absolutely agree with all of them really. One of my greatest joys that I can confidently click away from ads without feeling bad about losing a deal. I’m no longer driven by wanting to save money so I buy it when it’s on sale but rather focusing on what I need and buying it when I need it. Gosh I could respond to all of these because I totally agree with them all.
Thank you! I’m proud of deleting discount newsletters too when I don’t want to shop or don’t need anything. I do use them to make deals, but not for unnecessary purchases!
I’m so guilty of wasting time on things I shouldn’t! I think getting rid of fake friends is so beneficial in the long term too, and it allows you to spend that time getting to know other people. I still need to work on the ‘what ifs’ though, they’re some of the worst x
Velvet Blush
I agree! It took me years to train myself to let go of what ifs! And I still fail sometimes, but I try:)
Absolutely loved this! Even though I still have a lot of work to do overcoming these, this post is a great reminder. I guess acknowledging the problem is a good first step. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much for reading and commenting! I think acknowledging the problem is actually the most important step – and usually the hardest:) So, you’re on the right track! xx
Everything that you said is relatable especially the last one. I’m a perfectionist so I always have a tendency to procrastinate and thus results to not get any jobs done.
I know the feeling, been battling with this for years! So difficult to let go of perfectionism, but this approach kind of helped me! Thanks for reading xx