A person living on the philosophy of time scarcity does not
realize that they are simply complaining about their own choices and their own
lack of understanding consequences.
Most have heard it said that time is one of your most valuable
resources. It is very limited. Each
person’s days are numbered. Time is so
precious, that decisions about one’s time are some of the most personal and
most important decisions one makes. Some of the most hurtful parts of
relationships have to do with how one person chooses to spend their time.
A person living in the philosophy of time scarcity complains
that they don’t have enough time (time is scarce). They feel that they are running a rat race in
which they have to get ahead and never can seem to do so. Several times they feel that “things will get
better with just one more activity”. Or “if
I only had more money/time/freedom I would be happier.” So they work really
hard to cram as many things into the day, unhappy with the present and always looking
toward the future with disappointment surrounding them.
It’s so easy to get into the habit of blaming a lack of time
for everything. The truth is that the scarcity of time is not to blame for one’s
own choices. One person doesn’t have fewer hours than anyone else. Reality is that a person can only have so
many priorities. Once the priorities
have used up one’s time, there is only so much left for things that are not
really priorities. Those things do not
ever seem to happen, even though the person says (and may even believe) that
they should.
Here are two examples:
·
Now that I have a toddler, I do not have time to
spend with my friends.
·
Because my work schedule is so demanding, I do
not have time to exercise.
Next time you hear that statement, translate it to this:
·
Now that I have a toddler, I do not choose to
spend time with my friends.
·
Because my work schedule is so demanding, I do
not choose to exercise.
Before replying with a smart ass “that’s your own damn fault
response”, (even though that is true) think about this: Does that person really
want to be “spending time with friends” or “exercising” more than they want to be caring for their
child or excelling in work? Are they just complaining to make themselves feel
better about the choices they’ve made? That
person could simply be feeling guilty, but have no intention of making changes
in their choices. A person can only truly have a few real priorities. For example, most people’s priority list includes
Family, Work and Religion (in one order or another). After that, there is not a whole lot of room
for all the rest of the stuff. But those priorities are not nearly specific enough to help a person make good choices. Especially when work and family are pulling
one in opposite directions.
Another example of a person living in the time scarcity
philosophy is someone who talks of what could have been without realizing that
they CAN change what will be. “If only
my line of work was paid better”. Were
you born into your job? Do you have the
choice to work somewhere else if you wanted to?
That complaint is only valid if there TRULY was no other
choice. In most civilized countries, you
have a choice what line of work you want to be in, and you probably knew what
kind of pay grade to expect when you entered that line of work. If you are unhappy with it, it is up to you
and only you, to change it.
Time spent cannot be taken back. You cannot return time for a better offer
(what could have been). Stop complaining about the choices you’ve made. If you don’t like them, make better choices
in the future.
Rarely are Olympic athletes able to compete in more than one
sport. I can be so much better if I only
focus on ONE sport rather than trying to do two and being mediocre at both.
I chose only two priorities.
I am way more specific than “Family, work and God”. I have two main priorities and everything that
is truly important falls within these two priorities:
1.
Give gifts (including but not limited to)
a.
Spending quality time by traveling with family
and friends
b.
Work (If your work isn’t a gift, you should find
another job)
c.
Cooking and being hospitable
d.
Volunteering to help others
2.
Spending time outdoors to admire God’s creation,
get exercise and be healthy (mentally and physically)
It has taken me a long time to come up with this list, and
it changes as I grow as a person. Choosing
those priorities has helped me to feel that I have ENOUGH. I have enough time to do the things that are
truly important. I am so lucky to have a
supportive husband who encourages me to focus on the few priorities that truly
matter and not the less important things that do not.
This is what I have found works for me to be content with my
time choices. Next time you find
yourself feeling like time is scare; ask yourself what you would give up to
have the things you truly want. And as
you commit to things, ask yourself if they roll up to your priorities or not. Be
good at few things. Think through the consequences before making comittments.
Be responsible for
your own contentment.
