2023-01-31 Time Invested vs. Time Spent

You cannot save time for future use. But you can invest it for the future you.” -Unknown

The difference between time that’s invested and time that’s spent is very simple: the former is about using your time to do things that will generate a later return, while the latter is effectively wasting your time by putting it into things that will reap no reward.

For example, mindlessly scrolling social media is a clear example of spending your time — for all the time and mental energy you put in, it won’t often positively move your life forward.

On the contrary, reading, developing relationships, learning and exercising are all great examples of investing your time for the future you. And hence, Scott Adams has brilliantly said,

“Every new skill you acquire doubles your odds of success.”

Indeed, when you invest your time, you’re creating new opportunities. It’s essentially the act of saying, “I want a better future than what I have in the present.”

Meanwhile, spending your time is justifying the status quo. In truth, it’s actually keeping you stuck. You might want something different, but you’re not actually willing to create or put in the time to have it.

Hence, Jack Canfield has similarly said, “If you want something different, you are going to have to do something different.”

Your life follows your behavior. What you repeatedly do with your time is what you eventually become. Says Ryan Holiday,

“You are what you do — so ask yourself whenever you’re doing something: Is this reflective of the person I want to be?”