THE BIGGEST WASTE OF TIME: GIVING AEWAY YOUR TIME

In a world that praises productivity and constant engagement, there’s an unspoken expectation to give away your time freely to others. Whether it’s a friend asking for a favour, a colleague needing help, or a family member seeking your attention, the pressure to say yes can be overwhelming. After all, we’re conditioned to believe that being available and helpful is a virtue. But here’s the truth: constantly giving away your time is often one of the biggest wastes of time you can make.

What if instead of offering your time to everyone around you, you took a step back and started valuing your own? What if you learned to say no, realized that having free time doesn’t mean you owe it to anyone, and prioritized your own goals over endless requests? Here’s how you can start taking control of your time and stop squandering it.

One of the most difficult—and liberating—things you can learn to do is say no. It may feel awkward at first, especially if you’re used to saying yes to every request. But here’s the thing: every time you say yes to someone else’s needs, you’re saying no to your own goals, dreams, and well-being.

Saying no doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you wise. It’s a way of protecting your time and ensuring you’re able to focus on what truly matters to you. We often worry that saying no will disappoint others or make us seem unhelpful. However, the reality is that people who respect your boundaries will appreciate your honesty, and those who don’t respect your boundaries are likely not the ones worth investing your time in.

By getting comfortable with the word "no," you free yourself from the trap of over-commitment. You stop becoming a doormat and start reclaiming the time you need to live a more intentional, purpose-driven life.

We’ve all had those moments when we find ourselves with a chunk of free time—an afternoon with no meetings, a weekend without plans, or an evening with nothing to do. And when we’re not busy with something ourselves, it can feel like we should be available to others. But here’s an important truth: having free time doesn’t mean it’s automatically up for grabs by someone else.

It’s easy to think that just because you don’t have anything pressing on your schedule, you owe it to others to fill that time with their needs. But your free time is yours to do with as you please. You’ve earned it by managing your responsibilities, and you should be able to enjoy it without the constant pressure to be available to everyone else.

Instead of feeling obligated to say yes to requests simply because you’re free, take the opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Spend that time doing something that energizes you, whether it’s reading a book, pursuing a hobby, or simply resting. Your time is valuable, and just because you’re not busy doesn’t mean you need to give it away to others.

Before you say yes to the next person asking for your time, pause for a moment and ask yourself: Is this the best use of my time right now? Far too often, we get caught up in the urgency of others’ requests without considering our own needs and aspirations. But the truth is, if you don’t make time for your own goals and self-care, no one else will.

It’s easy to put others first, especially when their requests seem urgent or important. But if you’re constantly saying yes to external demands, you’ll find yourself running on empty, with little time left for the things that truly matter. You’re the only one who can make sure your time is being used to propel you toward your goals, whether that’s advancing your career, investing in your personal development, or simply recharging your energy.

Setting aside time for yourself and your goals isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It ensures that when you do say yes to someone else, you have the mental, emotional, and physical capacity to show up as your best self. By protecting your time and planning your priorities first, you set yourself up for success and fulfilment.

Time is the one resource you can never get back. It’s easy to let it slip away, saying yes to every request and filling your schedule with everyone else’s demands. But when you give away your time freely, you run the risk of losing sight of what truly matters to you.

It’s time to start treating your time with the respect it deserves. Learn to say no, recognize that free time isn’t an obligation, and always prioritize your own well-being and goals. When you stop giving away your time without thought, you’ll find that it’s no longer wasted—it’s invested. And that investment will pay off in ways you never imagined.

Remember, you have the power to reclaim your time and use it to create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. Start today, and make every moment count.