Sometimes seconds count - seconds make up minutes, hours, days and years after all - and making them matter is something we should all be working towards and bringing to reality.
I used to do a job in which seconds mattered a great deal and with that in mind performed time and motion studies on the many elements involved to determine inefficiencies in processes which could be improved upon; the ultimate goal was greater productivity and cost reduction however there were many more benefits to be found from the individual to the unit and team level, and all the way through to the very upper echelon...of course, it's one thing to identify, evaluate and strategize to improve those inefficiencies and quite another to actually do it.
Many areas of improvement were found throughout this continual process and many gains were made bringing a momentous improvement to the effectiveness of the entire operation even despite those who were reluctant, slow or adamantly against effecting the changes.
I've recently had cause to think about time wasting and how it impacts upon an individual's life; it made me think back to those time and motion studies I performed, the evaluation, planning and implementation phase and how effective it actually was - very effective - and how the same principle can (and should) be applied to a person's life, at least in my opinion.
I've watched someone spending time like an endless resource, which we know it is not. This is not a situation in which I simply don't approve of the way that person is spending their time, that's not for me to judge, just that the person's time-inefficiencies are having an adverse effect and, with life being finite, I don't believe it's a good plan to waste it so carelessly.
Life, the time we have, is a precious commodity but one so many people spend foolishly, frivolously and without care to extract the best outcomes from it.
Is it fair to say that most people want a happy, fulfilled, engaged, enjoyable, passionate, successful life? Yeah, I think so...then why do people waste so much of their time and life? Would people feel so free to waste it if a deadline was put on life? Ten years, five...one year...maybe one month...would they waste time so easily if there was only days left in it? I think not.
I work towards extracting something valuable from my time no matter what I'm doing even when I'm not really doing much at all; a Sunday afternoon reading session for instance.
For me, it's all about presence, that means being present in the moment, not distracted - that's how I get the most from my time. When at work...present. At home watching a movie...present. When out socialising...present. Hiking, hunting, camping or off-roading...present. You get the idea; it's a simple concept and one that lets me extract the most from the moments. This doesn't mean I ignore everything else and don't or can't shift that focus when needed, that happens of course, but it means I'm more efficient at what I'm doing and considering that everything I do is my life, I think that's a valid way to proceed.
I still perform time and motion studies in my professional life but in my personal life it's more a habit of presence and focus and, of course, knowing where to invest the most valuable commodity I possess; time. I don't always get it right but having a focus on it, a habit of presence, eliminating or minimising negativity, and seeking value, means I get it right most times and I see that as an investment in my life and time well spent.
Now, I'm going to propose you give me some of your time, but only if it's of personal value to you to do so; I don't want you to waste any of it, time is too precious to do that.
Do you have methods and strategies in place to focus your life on a time well spent ethos or are you one of those people whose happy to let time pass by under-spent and valued? Do you determine where time and life inefficiencies exist and evaluate and strategize on how they can be minimised? Would you value your time and life more if you knew exactly when it would end and would you prefer to know or not? If you've got the time, and you'd like to, comment below on these things or anything you'd like, I'd like to hear from you. If you don't have, or want to spend, the time then I'll understand and applaud your choice to spend your most valuable commodity in better ways.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
[Original and AI free]
The image in this post is my own.
I have received many stories about those who were told by their doctors that they only had months to live, almost all of whom became more appreciative of their time by doing many meaningful and useful things, especially for their loved ones.
Because death is a secret, even though it will definitely come. So I really maintain the quality of togetherness while I'm with people who love me. I always do my best and maintain the quality of my time; it should be close to 10 on my scale.
Please allow me to give the smallest example: If I am with my children, my eyes should look more into their eyes than they look at me. I started doing it consistently, and I've tried to spread the word to other people I know to put their phones away when they're spending time with their loved ones.
You seem to have the right idea about mobile phones, and more importantly, connection and interaction with others. People seem to be losing that skill and I think they lose value in their lives because of it. And why? Many reasons I guess, but the internet and social media are certainly a cause.
Hmm as I age, I tend to enjoy little pockets of time where I can just "waste" time and be unproductive, say, for one afternoon during the weekend. I personally don't think it's a waste of time because during this period, my mind gets some rest and hopefully be recharged when it's needed.
Recharging, resting and relaxation is different completely from wasting time.
Ah you are right too!
What a good reflection 👏🏻👏🏻, now that it's the weekend I think that reflection is the most appropriate way to start it. I like the topic, as a doctor and as a person in general I think time is gold
In my case, I try to organize my week as far in advance as possible, of course prioritizing the things that contribute to my interests and those that need to be prioritized (such as study and work) Every day, at night, I check what I have wrote for the next day.
This method has allowed me to save a lot of time and above all prioritize the things that are of my interest and the time saved I dedicate it to live my life: experiences that I then turn into posts here, spend time with my girlfriend or my family, read some book that contributes to my personal development, that is, take advantage of every minute to work on what I want to be.
On this side of the world it's still early and the day is just beginning and I tell you mate, there's no better way to start it than with your reflection, so I'm going to enjoy my weekend and see you at the #weekend-engagement 😉. I hope you're having a productive weekend
Prioritising and scheduling is a great way to save some time and if it's work things that will certainly leave time for more enjoyable things elsewhere in your life.
I wonder how some people get through their lives in such a disorganised fashion; not everything needs to be stringently scheduled, but there's many that can be and if the result is more time for more enjoyable things it just makes sense.
Anyway, thanks for responding and I hope you have a good weekend. I'll see you about the place I guess.
I found having a routine can save a lot of time. Waking up and sleeping at specific times helps. With routine, things can become automatic. For things like chores, or cleaning, doing it regularly usually results in spending less time on it overall.
Routine is good for some things, it saves time, or at least makes the most of available time. I prefer to call it prioritisation and scheduling than routine though. Do you plan to make use of the time you save in ways that better or value-add your life?
I try to when I can. I can do some exercises, or do some work that I have neglected. Although some times, I just use it to sleep early and relax.
You don't have any hobbies or interests outside of exercise, work and sleep? I have so much to do that even if each day comprised 48 hours I'd still not have enough time for it all.
I like playing video games, and I find time to do that already. I also don't save too much time so squeezing things that take too long is not that much of an option.
Ok, seems like your options are time-limited then. Happy gaming.
Thank you
I value my time very much, I try to use it as well as possible and to optimise every minute of it.
I often have a lot of things to do, so I first plan it in my head so that I can do everything. Sometimes unforeseen events come up and I rearrange those time slots in my head.
For me, as you mentioned, it is fundamental to be in the present time and enjoy what you are doing at every moment, for example, the time I spend playing with my cats or when I walk Tony is valuable time for me and I enjoy it.
My method... my head, I optimise the spaces of time in it before when the day is complicated with many tasks and many times I even have a notebook where I write down the things to do in order... is my method very strict and organised?
This organisation allows me to have family time, walks and relaxation spaces.
Time.... is one of my favourite subjects from many aspects.
Thanks Galen!
I thought you'd be an organised person and you've shown yourself as such. I think there's more to gain from being that way than to lose...really nothing to lose at all I guess. A to do notebook us a good idea; I do lists sometimes depending on the situation.
Anyway, time for bed here. Catch you later.
That's how lists are in my head but if that's not enough a notebook is a good way to organise.
Good night, have a good rest!
Head lists...I like that, although written lists are my go-to. That's the whole point of lists.
Yes, besides, this way we don't forget any of them, just in case...
Time management is a topic assigned to us recently by our professor to write an assignment on.
It is a dire need of today's world to manage their time as a lot of social media addicts are showing up in this generation. I don't know what is the condition there in Australia but here in Pakistan people are really committed to their mobile phones.
Even this guy(me) sometimes spend hours in washroom (just because I lost in my mobile phone and forget where I was).
And to answer the question that would you prefer to know when it would end?
Actually no, I am happy now because I don't know if I am going to die the next moment or the next day or whatever time it is. But if it was known I might have gone into depression (:
Regards
Yeah mate, so many people have their face glued to their devices looking at I don't know what, Facebook I guess. It's the same around the world, or so I have observed as I've travelled. I hate social media and gaming which means I don't have to stare at my phone much.
I agree, it may be a little confronting knowing when one may die, but I reckon it would help motivate people to cram as much into life as possible.
Well, I will consider it a blessing for you that you are away from this social media and gaming thing.
I am into it but sometimes I just hate this thing because it takes so much time.
Well, that's also a thing. When the death time will be known, people will consider living more than wasting their time in useless activities
You say, useless activities. Do you engage in any yourself and what are they?
I do gaming a lot. I am a regular player of free fire (a mobile game).
Also I am active on Facebook and WhatsApp. Sometimes I regret being so addicted to these things but it is what it is.
No, you're wrong. It is what you're making it through choices you are making.
I asked you what activities you deem as useless and you answered with the above. I wonder in what ways you might add real value to your life if you didn't choose to engage in these useless activities. A moot point I guess since addiction causes you to spent time on useless pursuits rather than in more productive ways. I also wonder if you'll look back on your life and regret wasting some of it. Time will tell.
Well, let's see what time has for us.
But here is an interesting point...
Since I have joined the hive, I am spending more time on it which means giving more time to my real life and then writing about it one hive. It is so much fun, also meeting new people. Like if hive wasn't there I could never have known that there is a person named Galenkp existing on this planet. That's why i sometimes say hive is a blessing for many.
This might help me to get rid of those addictions.
At this time, a lot of my life is like a paper boat at sea, bobbling this way and that, semi happily and yet, without much direction except to stay afloat and just keep on bobbling..... and doing whatever comes next.
I'm amazingly planless.... I have no goals.
Don't frown ! ha ha
I think about it. I tell myself I can do whatever I want and I try to think about what I should be being a part of and how it feels like I've wasted a lot of time and yet, I still have not come to what else I should be doing.
So I do the things that are necessary to survive .... mostly.... and wonder what I should be doing the rest of the time. LOL !
It wasn't always like this and I don't know how it got to that now.
... so for this last few minutes, I was responding to your post. :) A few moments gone but not exactly....suspended in time on the block chain.
No goals? Ye gods! (Lol)
I know people who float along with no set goals and plans to reach them, it works for some I guess. I do a balance, not everything I do is structured, and that works best for me. At work I tend to be more regimented with the tasks or activities. I guess, the most important thing for me is to be present in my life...I think that's where many people go wrong, not doing it.
I knew your face had gone into the frowny WHAT???? That's why I said "Don't frown" part way through it. LOL !
Ye gods !... for sure. How did I get to this place? I don't have the answer for that, but obviously it certain wasn't a plan !
When I'm working, I know what I should be doing and I am very steady, do a good job and give more than the minimum required.
I would like to be doing something more involved... with something. I would like to be doing something valid and helpful.... to someone. I would like to be doing something that makes me feel like I have purpose......
But.... what is that ?? I've been rolling it around in my noggin for a while now, but the answer hasn't stepped forward.
I know if I don't know what I should be doing, then I should just be doing SOMETHING while I am figuring it out, but that is much harder to do than it is to type.
I will say though, I do NOTHING valid very well. I could be considered a PRO at it about now.
Haha, yes you know me well.
I guess some just have a knack for it and others do not; it doesn't mean the latter have bad lives or anything, just probably different to what they could have if they did some goal-setting and planning. It's a powerful tool, but not the only one a person needs to create a fulfilling life.
My life is definitely not bad, there are so many things about it I am thankful for. It could be better in certain aspects though, if I would just choose a direction and pursue it.
Being thankful, appreciating what we have rather than always looking and thinking towards what we do not, is a great way to go.
How's the new/changed job situation going?
It's absolutely wonderful !
I was so burned out on the phone part of my job that is "nearly" no longer part of it now. The 5 of us that jumped into this new department got an ugly surprise when within the first week, we were asked to help cover those same phones we thought we left behind, for a couple hours here and there. We were ALL extremely unhappy about it and fortunately, we have all independently voiced that to our supervisor. Evidently she pushed that up and our new manager had a meeting with us earlier this week to assure us it would not be ongoing after a little more time (although she couldn't give us a date in stone) Once we left the other department, they no longer had enough people to cover certain very busy hours, so... they asked our new management to "borrow" us for bits of time. Our new management was trying to work together with the old department, not realizing the backlash it would cause with us. She called us their elite ..ha ha... and they don't really want any of us looking to jump again to get away from the phones. Truly it has only been a few hours here and there, but I detest the phones so bad (and obviously I'm not the only one)... .that I will be happiest when I never have to answer them again.
With that OVER explanation ..... I will also say that I don't dread the workdays anymore.... or the end of the weekends (which is about to happen now) or working when I should be retired already.... and that is all new for me. I'm slowly starting to heal from the burn out.
I think my biggest folly is the fact that I look to some point in the future (like an event, holiday, or trip) and I fail to appreciate the time in between all of that. Most of the time the thing you are looking forward to finally arrives and then it is over in the blink of an eye. At that point you are left thinking about all the time you wasted in anticipation of that single event. It's a continuous journey I am on to fix that.
That's a good pick up, that you do that. Being present in all of our moments makes best use of more if our time I guess. It's nice to have those events/trips to look forward to though. Finding value more often seems the best way though, all the little moments add to a great life when combined.
Even me! I can understand the heavenly bodies far better than people - mad or sane. Just yesterday I was using the overused expression "life is too short" in response to being asked my thoughts on certain family members who took offense over a triviality. Let's talk about it. Agree. Or disagree. But still be able to live in harmony
Trivial issues...so many people spend far more time focused on them when larger issues (and opportunities) don't get any attention. Also, the harmony comment...yeah, there's no problem with disagreeing but it doesn't have to lead to discord in families I guess right?
Interesting, sometimes when people focus too much on procedures for personal time, they never come out of that rabbit hole (like Howard Hughes). But I Know you aren't discussing that here.
I have spent years designing process and production equipment to drive down cost, while enhancing quality, so I think that way as a matter of course.
I use my time different that most. While I'm writing this, I have an herbal video playing; and I'm learning a lot! If I wasn't tired, I'd likely be reading too; but three things at once on technically demanding stuff is usually my limit. Easier stuff and four is normal, so my efficiency is odd!
But each person must find the path that works best for themselves, and each will be different!
Your time metric hits close to home, I'm fighting cancer right now and fortunately the herbs and prayers are winning! But it does change my perspective on time use....
As a side note, the term spending time is very accurate. Time is like coinage, once spent we can never get it back; and the coinage is limited! Spend it wisely and deliberately!!!!
👍😳💗🐾🐶🐾💙🤕🤔
As long as one is present in their life I don't think it matters how they find efficiency and productivity, or fulfillment unless that fulfillment comes at the expense of someone else. Floating along through hit seems wasteful to me, as does spending time in ways that aren't conducive to a best-life situation. I also think it's important to understand that it will come to an end, for me that helps me get better value from what I have at my disposal.
It is finite, and I'm beginning to wonder if GOD will call the game soon! Studying prophecy more lately, with the Euphrates River drying up....
But time is life, so spend it wisely! Been sleeping better, so today was a three at once day again.
BTW, what was the name of the ballistic calculator that had the Gamo pellet rifle in its data base?
👍🤠💙🙏📖🙏💗
StrelokPro?
Thanks, I'll go look! Did you like my EV post?
😁🎉🐾🐶🐾💙
I haven't seen it yet, I've been away doing some stuff and a little out of touch, working to keep ahead of my own account but I will for sure. ✅
Take care of yourself, all else is unimportant by comparison!
👍🤔🤠😳🤕🎉🥳
Apps, phone and video games are massive time-wasters as is social media - Just my opinion of course. People get into it and lose hours in what seems like moments, and all the while their lives slip by unlived in any meaningful way. It's a good idea to uninstall them, break the habit of playing them or setting aside an allotted and reasonable amount of time for them and then move forward with real life. But what do I know huh?
I delegate to people and they can vote as they wish.
Your capital letter text and demanding tone is a little confrontational don't you think?
Typing in all caps is a time-saver G-Dawg!
Time saver...and a downvote magnet.