Every Moment Counts
by Lisa Marie Platske

The American Heritage Dictionary defines time as "a non-spatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future."  The word irreversible stands out as I read and re-read this definition, and I'd like to have you think about that - what that word means.

The reality is that while most people can tell you what time it is, they can't necessarily tell you what time is. I suppose it is because the concept of time is a paradox. And yet, we speak in minutes, hours, days, and years, so what is it that we are measuring? Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, social status, etc., etc., time is the same for everyone; we all get the same days in a year, hours in a day, and minutes in an hour.

It's rare to attend a business conference or work retreat and not hear the words "Time Management" mentioned. My last three requests from meeting planners for future speaking engagements have been for a portion of my leadership presentation to include the management of time. Why? Because every moment counts in life and some people know how to make time work for them. Throughout my life, my friends would often comment on how I was able to accomplish so much during the week...work assignments, household responsibilities, community functions, family gatherings and much, much more. It was as if they thought I had a magic formula or was blessed with more time in my life rather than the ability to manage and leverage what we all are given - 24 hours. 

I do believe there are a few "secrets" to making the most of those 24 hours

First, remember that whether you're at hard at work or hard at play, you are producing something. Be aware of what your product looks like to others.

Secondly, you are also exchanging a piece of your life for something. The exchange can be likened to a purchase. If this were Home Depot, Nordstrom's, or your favorite store, would this be something that you would freely buy with your last dollar? If it isn't, then why are you investing your time in that particular activity?

One of my clients was telling me about how every time she volunteered for a particular organization, she felt unappreciated. Why did she keep going back? She believed in their mission and had deep a sense of obligation. For some of us, the answer would've been that we're hoping for the payoff in the future or we're in a rut. Whatever the reason, remember that your time is an exchange and what you do becomes who you are.

Lastly, I'd like to go back to the word "irreversible". We cannot plead, beg, borrow, or steal more time. Irreversible means we can't change what has happened in the past. While I do not believe that the past determines your future, I do believe that thinking about and understanding the consequences of "irreversible" enable us to make better choices in our lives.

Remember, time doesn't stand still for anyone. Make every moment count!

Lisa Marie Platske is the President and CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc., an international leadership development company that wows audiences with inspirational seminars and workshops and provides coaching/consulting to change the way leaders approach their personal and professional lives.
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