The Currency of Life

If you've been following me for a while, dear reader, you'll know I'm all about time: how I spend it and save it. Money is important, but if we lose that, we can always earn more. Time, on the other hand...we can never make more of that. Once it's behind us, it's gone. And, one day, it'll run out. If time is precious, we must prioritize where we direct our time and energy.

I received this wake-up call in late 2015 when I was involved in a near-fatal car accident. The road was wet, and I was late for a crucial executive meeting with the Regional Director, who was in the country to discuss critical operational matters. Overwhelmed by the workload and frustrated by a lack of support and endless politicking, I struggled to keep it all together. I was about to enter this critical meeting unprepared and late, a perfect storm leading to an incident that would change my life.

I pressed on the brake to slow down as I entered the underpass at the onramp to the highway. My tire locked, and the car swerved. The next few moments seemed to last an eternity. My vision narrowed. I could only focus on the top of my steering wheel, where my white-knuckled hands were locked in a death grip, the rest of the world blurring. Massive bridge pillars rushed past my window one moment, and the next, I found myself facing an onslaught of oncoming traffic. Before I could comprehend the danger, the car swerved again, finally halting—conveniently—on the side of the highway, behind the yellow line, facing the correct way. I was unscathed. The universe did have my back.

While sitting in the car, breathing slowly and allowing adrenaline to ebb away, the reality of the near-miss hit me like a tidal wave. I realized something had to change. I had been unhappy at work for quite some time, questioning the value of what I was doing. And here I was, stressed, driving to a meeting that I dreaded, and I had nearly paid the ultimate price. I couldn't recall saying goodbye to my wife that morning. The thought turned me cold. I've made sure to say it every day since.

I was determined to change my life. I didn't know exactly how, but I would find a way. I took a deep breath and started to plan. A few months later, after careful planning and decisive action (never quit your job to follow your dreams without a clear backup plan), I took the plunge and pursued a career in consulting and entrepreneurship, which had always intrigued me. Some people thought I was nuts to leave a stable, well-paying job for a life of risk and uncertainty, but it felt like a breath of crisp morning air for me.

Of course, life doesn't magically become perfect, and there are always challenges and setbacks. I started and closed businesses. I faced my demons. I've made money, lost money, and made money again. I got married. I learned to prioritise and develop systems to support my work. I identified what was important to me, and embarked on a new and fulfilling career. Each experience only made me more conscious of the ticking clock and more determined to spend my time wisely.

Time is our most precious resource. We can never make more of it. How we use it matters. With whom we spend it matters. Take a moment to reflect on your life, dear reader. Identify where and how you spend your time. If it's truly important to you, that's wonderful. If not, consider making a change. After all, we're not just talking about time; we're talking about your life.

There is no time to waste. Use it wisely.

Until next week,

Ric.

🤝 If this article resonated with you and you found it helpful, please consider sharing it with someone you care about. You never know; it might make their day a little better.

💌 If you're interested in the journey to self-mastery, enhancing productivity, and philosophies of life, subscribe to my newsletter. Every Monday, you'll receive a shiny new article and gain unique insights, tips, and techniques to assist your personal growth journey.

📸 Join me on Instagram for regular inspiration and guidance.