Money used to make the world go ’round, but now we realize it’s only time that matters.
What’s more valuable, your time or your money? I love this quote from Jim Rohn,
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.”
If you live in the U.S., you live in the most lucrative society in the history of the world. Money is everywhere and anyone can earn at least a small fortune with enough sweat equity and opportunity.
Money is not the greatest currency; time is. This is why many Millennials are valuing their time over their income. I love this concept, “This group of individuals is emerging as self-starters: entrepreneurial thinkers with creative potential and the capacity to work even harder than Baby Boomers, but on their own terms.”(Levo) It’s not about making a living anymore nearly as much as using your time to make a difference.
I’ve never heard of a death-bed confessional where someone wished they had more money. However, I have heard of multiple instances where people wished they had more time. My grandpa passed away a few years ago. I would go to great lengths to get more time with my grandpa. It’s because time is finite while money is relative.
Valuing time more than money
Your time has a greater price tag on it than your bank account. It would be tempting to be a miser with your time as much as you might already be with your money. A generous life can be a blessing to so many, including yourself.
Here are some areas that may be in desperate need of your time and attention:
- One-third of couples spend less than 30 minutes of quality time together a day. (Huffington Post) Watching a TV show doesn’t count. Shut off the dumb TV and take a walk, enjoy a talk on the deck, do anything that actually interacts with the love of your life. Your spouse doesn’t need another purchase; they need your attention.
- Your kids don’t need more money; they need more of your time. The average live-at-home dad in the U.S. spends seven minutes a day in conversation with one child. (The National) Don’t let your wallet do your parenting.
- Volunteering for a charity or nonprofit can increase your level of happiness, sense of self-worth, lower your stress, and help you live longer. (Harvard Health) Most importantly, it’s how we best express the love of God: by giving of ourselves without expecting anything in return. It’s tempting to just write a check. Don’t take the easy way out; sign up to give your time to personally help someone.
- Less than half of U.S. adults meet the minimum CDC daily physical activity guidelines. (CDC) Being physically active, even walking for twenty minutes a day, can help prevent type 2 diabetes and lower risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and some cancers.