How Much Is Your Time Worth?
A Moment of Clarity to Brighten Your Day
Clarity Quote
"The key is in not spending time, but in investing it." - Stephen R. Covey
An image I captured at sunset at Grawhawk in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A Moment of Clarity
Stephen R. Covey (1932–2012) was a distinguished American author, educator, and motivational speaker best known for his groundbreaking work on personal and organizational effectiveness.
His most notable book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been a cornerstone in leadership and personal development.
Today’s article can be a powerful reminder of who is ultimately in charge of your time and how to improve your return on investment.
Finding Your Way to Freedom
The freedom and joy of waking up and working at something you love that other people pay you to perform are among the greatest aspects of being wealthy.
That’s true for people with a career path they love and entrepreneurs who risk everything to pursue their dreams.
If you don’t currently “own your time,” it’s okay. Most of us work for others in one way or another.
If you don’t feel like you’re investing your time wisely or being paid fairly, maybe it’s time to do some serious strategic thinking about You, Inc.
If you don’t feel you have the freedom you want, commit to developing a new action plan and ask for help if needed.
When you think about You, Inc., and the value you provide to your employer, clients, or customers, do you think you’re earning what you are worth?
If not, why not?
Look at it this way. The most important thing you can value is yourself.
Your self-image determines your self-worth. After that, everything is relative to your business or career and the experience and value you offer others.
The more experience you have, the easier it becomes to manage your time wisely. You are the boss of You, Inc. if you’re willing to believe in yourself.
It’s time to start learning how to invest better in yourself.
Assess Your Use of Time
Covey reminds us to see time as a valuable resource that, like any good investment, can yield significant returns when used wisely.
It’s about learning to become a better investment manager of your time.
Consider ways to improve your daily schedule by asking these questions:
Are you merely spending time reacting to immediate tasks and interruptions?
Or are you investing time in activities that will bring long-term benefits, professionally and personally?
Are your actions aligned with your professional purpose, core values and long-term goals?
How well are you keeping score?
What will it take to become more disciplined?
Reflect on where you invest your energy and focus. Become a dedicated investment student.
Investing time means prioritizing activities that foster growth, build relationships, and create value.
Highest and Best Use of Time
You'll learn to invest time better When you see it as your best investment. Think about your highest and best use of time by following these practical tips:
Set realistic, clear intentions and goals. Align your activities with your strategic objectives to ensure you invest time in what truly matters.
Delegate work to others: Free up your time for high-impact tasks by delegating routine activities. If you’re a control freak, maybe it’s time to learn how to hire, train, and delegate everything that’s not your “highest and best use of time.”
Review your time investment results regularly: You are the most qualified person to invest your time. The best investment managers review results daily. They know what to measure because they know what counts.
Remember the power of focus: Train yourself to eliminate distractions in a world of people driven to distraction. Your focus will become your competitive edge over all the competition.
Keep score of what matters: If you value your time, you’ll keep score of your return on investment.
Clarity Commitment
In closing, every moment offers you a choice: spend or invest.
Commit to investing your time better. Hire the best people you can afford, delegate to them like a pro, and ditch the rest.
Choose more wisely as you grow. Always be learning.
As you become a better investor, you’ll see investments pay dividends for personal, professional, and financial growth.
Be mindful of your professional purpose, and invest wisely. That’s how to sleep better at night.
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Great question Clifford! "When you think about 'You, Inc.', and the value you provide to your employer, clients, or customers, do you think you’re earning what you are worth?
Yes. But wait, there's more! And that is my final answer Regis. More value, less accountability.