The Time Barrier

Living in these modern times, there are so many barriers that hinder our ability to focus on what is important and to live frugally sustainable lives.

I recently posted the question on the wall of my facebook page: “What are some your biggest barriers to sustainable living?” The top 3 overwhelming responses were:

• Time
• Money
• Knowledge

Some of the answers varied, however time was everyone’s top concern.

Universally we shout…”I just don’t have the time!” But what we really should be saying is, “I’m trying to pack-in too many things into the time I do have.”

There’s no doubt that we have a poverty of time in our industrialized nations; and, we have been are caught up in the consequences: loss of family structure, anxiety/depression, illness/disease, stress, loss of ingenuity, etc. However, no matter who we are, where we are from, or what language we speak, we all have 24 hours in a day. It’s how we choose to spend that time that makes all the difference!

We will find the time to do the things that we value.

It all comes down to mindful, daily decisions. These are what contribute to–or in some cases, take away from–our ability to live meaningful lives.

Consider these statistics

These stats are based on time use during an average work day for those persons employed, with children, and between the ages of 25-54. This is not true for everyone.

• Working (8.6 hours)
• Sleeping (7.6 hours)
• Leisure, watching TV, and sports (2.6 hours)
• Caring for others (1.2 hours)
• Household activities (1.1 hours)
• Eating and drinking (1.1 hours)
• Miscellaneous (1.8 hours)

How do you spend your time?

Sometimes it helps me to write things out and visualize my reality.

Do you feel as though time is slipping away and you have no idea where it is going? Or perhaps, you feel like you don’t have time to do the things you really want to do? Let’s evaluate where, when, and how we are spending our time.

Complete the chart below (What I really mean to say is make one like this, but better. Obviously graphic design is not one of my areas of giftedness!). Fill in how you spend your time over the course of a typical day. Include extra activities in the blank spots, but be sure not to go over 24 hours.

How do you want to spend your time?

Let’s try this again…this time fill out the chart based on how you want to be spending your time. Prioritize these activities based on your values.
What would you love to spend your time doing?

Making Changes and Setting New Goals

Resolve today to make a small change, one that will move you closer to spending your time the way YOU want to. This is one of the most important things you can do to move toward living a frugally sustainable life.
Set a new goal!

Let us know your time saving tips here in the comments.