To spend time is to pass it in a specified manner. To waste time is to expend it thoughtlessly or carelessly. We all have time that we can either spend or waste, and it is our decision what to do with it, but once it has passed it is gone.
- Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee is known for his great aphorisms — and this lesser known quote is what struck me the most. In this article, I want to share with you how this quote has shaped my relationship with time, and provide some specific examples of how my day to day has changed as a result.
There was a time in my life where I did not value time. Time seemed to be unlimited and boundless. There’s always a tomorrow, and the day after, … and the day after. However, my perception of time changed last year after I came across this article which charted 90-years of human life, transforming the idea of a seemingly unlimited lifespan to 1080 countable circles — right in my face. Our time is indeed ever so finite.
Recognizing the value of time has had a tremendous positive impact on my life. This past year I’ve had significant career advancement, found new hobbies, and accomplished fitness goals that I’m proud of. However, because I didn’t want to waste time, at times I found myself feeling guilty when I was doing “non-productive activities” such as watching TV, or simply hanging out with friends. I made sure I put on an educational podcast on 1.5X on the way to work while chugging coffee and checking emails. (The Huberman Lab podcast is awesome, btw).
I knew there was something odd about my relationship with time — I was over-indexing on the future and accomplishments, but under-indexing on the presence, or, the “moment”. How then should I be spending time such that time is not “wasted”, while I get to enjoy life as I should be? Bruce Lee’s quote on time spent vs time wasted has shed some light on this.
… To waste time is to expend it thoughtlessly or carelessly.
These 10 words have a profound impact on my relationship with time. It implies that time spent is not wasted if they are spent with thought and care. One should spend time with intention, but this doesn’t mean that time spent for sheer enjoyment without any particular reasons is not worthy.
I realize that I should enjoy time however I want, as long as it’s spent with intention and without regrets. I should treasure every moment I have, as once it has passed, it has passed.
Here are some examples of how this new relationship with time has changed my day-to-day:
- I am spending more time alone; I have made a conscious decision to spend time alone in the morning — just drinking coffee, daydreaming, and journaling — as this is when I feel the most alive and present.
- I am enjoying the time spent with my loved ones even more after realizing that it is my full intention to spend quality time with the family, girlfriend, and friends. I started to give more attention to them without letting other worries affect these treasured moments.
- I have stopped feeling guilty when I procrastinate. This may sound silly, but I realize that once I decide to procrastinate, it’s not worth the time to feel guilty about it — I may as well enjoy the time spent procrastinating at its fullest. Oddly enough, I tend to find myself being more productive after “quality” procrastination.
- I have stopped over-worrying — humans are hardwired to worry, but it’s definitely not worth the time to over-worry. I began to ask myself: if I had to spend time with thought and care, would I really want to sit here and worry about situations that I cannot control?
My relationship with time may change again in the future — but for now, I am appreciating time a whole lot more than I have before.
I want to end this article with another quote by Bruce Lee
Life — for its own sake. — Realize the fact that you simply “live” and not “live for”
