Time: Everybody Has the Same Amount

That would be 24/7. The days and the hours are allocated in the same way to those people who accomplish a lot and to those who accomplish very little. Everyone gets 168 hours per week.

Part of what each of us must decide is how to use our time. Nothing I say in the following paragraphs is meant to imply that playing or napping are bad. Even Jesus “went apart” to rest a while. And we must also, if we are to follow Him. Sabbath-type rest and breaks are important.

Here’s an example from my life: I quit golf because I was so terrible, but also because each time I played it took four hours out of my week. It was a sacrifice I was making with my time at a sport I wasn’t good at. And it was taking hours away from time spent with my family. In the same way, you’ll have to decide whether or not golf or another pursuit is a worthwhile sacrifice; for example, if it provides the relaxation, time away, or networking you need.

If television is your thing, fine. It’s okay to take some time out to watch a worthwhile or entertaining program. (I won’t go into content here.) But, if you do, you must decide that taking those hours to watch TV is your choice about how you use your time.

The blogs this week will deal with what has helped me and others on matters concerning time. I think you will see that self-discipline can be difficult, but not because the issues of time are hard to understand. We can all learn new habits, and that is very necessary in any kind of work requiring discipline.

Just a few introductory thoughts: We really must attack or manage our time, not just “see what happens.” One of our highest callings is to use time wisely, spending it in areas where we contribute the most. Obviously, some differences in accomplishment are related to mental ability or capacity, but some are closely tied to the use of time.

Is there a principle related to use of time that has helped you? Would you share it?