In a world where instant responses, rapid project turnarounds, and relentless deadlines have become the norm, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As leaders, we’re often caught up in meeting goals, pushing our teams forward, and achieving tangible results. But beneath all of the KPIs and targets, there lies something far more valuable and irreplaceable: our time.
In this post, inspired by our latest episode of The Coffee Journeys Show, we’ll explore how leaders can live more intentionally by understanding the true value of time.
The Trap of “Now-Now-Now” Culture
Today, we live in a world where everything is at our fingertips—instant communication, on-demand services, and endless opportunities to get things done. While these advancements can boost productivity, they can also drive us into a perpetual state of urgency.
This “now-now-now” mindset often translates into our leadership styles, where we push ourselves and our teams to keep up with the fast pace, without pausing to ask ourselves if we’re spending our time on what truly matters, recognising the true value of time
Your Life as a Week: A Perspective-Shifting Exercise
To gain a new perspective on the value of time, try imagining your life as a week. Say the average life span is 84 years; divide that into a seven-day week:
- Monday: Ages 0-12
- Tuesday: Ages 13-24
- Wednesday: Ages 25-36
- Thursday: Ages 37-48
- Friday: Ages 49-60
- Saturday: Ages 61-72
- Sunday: Ages 73-84
Where are you on this weekly timeline? Reflecting on where you stand helps bring clarity to how you’re currently spending your time and how you might choose to allocate it going forward. For leaders, this realization can be profound—reminding us that our most important deadlines might not be work-related at all.
The “Hell Yeah or No” Framework
One of the most effective tools for intentional living is the Hell Yeah or No framework, popularized by entrepreneur and author Derek Sivers. The idea is simple: if you’re not saying “Hell yeah!” about an opportunity, then it’s better to say “no.”
This framework can be transformative for leaders who are constantly inundated with meetings, projects, and commitments. When we prioritize only the opportunities that genuinely excite us or align with our goals, we create more space for meaningful work and personal growth.
As a leader, consider where you might apply this framework—whether it’s in deciding which projects to take on, setting personal boundaries, or even managing your calendar.
Memento Mori: The Stoic Reminder of Mortality
“Memento Mori”—a phrase from Stoic philosophy—means “Remember that you will die.” While it may seem heavy, this concept actually serves as a grounding reminder of our finite time.
Incorporating Memento Mori into your mindset can guide you in making better decisions about where you invest your time and energy. Leaders who embrace this principle are often more intentional, compassionate, and focused, understanding that their time is a non-renewable resource. Instead of viewing tasks as boxes to check, they see each day as an opportunity to lead with purpose and leave a meaningful impact.
Leading with Intentionality
Being a leader isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about defining what truly matters along the way. Intentional leaders take a step back to evaluate how they’re investing their time and whether those investments align with their larger purpose.
Consider asking yourself these questions:
- What truly matters to me, beyond work-related achievements?
- Are my current commitments reflective of my values and goals?
- How can I prioritize what genuinely excites me and aligns with my purpose?
Lessons learned from this coffee journey
Living with intention starts with acknowledging that our time is finite. By understanding the true value of time, applying frameworks like Hell Yeah or No, and embracing concepts like Memento Mori, we can lead not only with purpose but with clarity and compassion.
So, take a moment today—perhaps over a quiet cup of coffee—to reflect on where you stand and where you want to go. Remember, as leaders, our legacy isn’t just measured by our accomplishments but by how intentionally we spend our time, approbating the true value of time.
Useful links
- Deadline
- Recognising Burnout Before It’s Too Late: Understanding the 12 Stages of Burnout
- It’s been insanely intensive end of year!
- Hell Yeah or No book by Derek Sivers
Thanks for reading!
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