Time is the only undefeated opponent known to man. Besides outliers like rare diseases or times of conflict, there is nothing on the planet besides time that has a 100% mortality rate, and definitely nothing with as many rivals. 7.8 billion to be exact. We're all fighting against it, whether we're aware of it or not. Thankfully, most of us still have many years ahead of us, but it can be somewhat disconcerting to realize that every breath you take is one breath closer to your last. This is why I'm such a big fan of maximizing every minute of everyday if possible. We can't afford to live any differently. I recently heard a quote that sums this up well:
We kill time as it is killing us.
Now, this doesn't mean you have to spend every waking hour focused on growing your business, obtaining more wealth, or getting as fit as possible. In fact, the inverse is almost certainly true. Maximizing your time isn't just about being as "productive" as possible, though that word is definitely subjective. Time should be spent doing as much as you can that brings your soul alive. Work is necessary, and although it may not be fun at times, we all need to do it. But in the down time, this is when this principle becomes important. Whether it be playing a board game with family, reading a good book, or sharing a meal with a friend, there are myriad ways to spend time without simply killing it.
When we're older, we won't remember all of the nights spent lounging in front of the TV or surfing the web. We'll look back on the time spent with the ones we love (or time spent alone), doing the things that brought our souls alive. I encourage you to take a look at how you spend your free time, and see if you can make any changes to make more memories that you'll look back on with fondness.
We all share the same opponent. The question is, how will you fight it?
"A Single Seed" is my attempt to get out one idea every day that I've learned or accumulated over the years, with the hope that it may stick in someone else's memory bank as well. The idea may be related to fitness, business, life, or philosophy, but I think you'll find that many can change domains if you wish them to. With each seed planted, a new life awaits.
Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/1524219/analog-business-chronograph-clock-closeup-dial-expensive-hour-luxury