In today's fast-paced world, the significance of time management is a recurring theme in email newsletters, websites, and print magazines. Experts tirelessly teach us how to prioritize our work, organize these priorities, and adhere to them to enhance productivity. While their efforts are commendable, there's a glaring omission in their teachings: the application of these principles to our lives beyond work.
There are 168 hours in a week. We spend approximately 40 hours working and about 4 hours commuting. This means we dedicate just over a quarter of our lives to professional pursuits. We also spend around 56 hours sleeping and 7 hours on personal grooming each week. Add the 7 hours we spend eating, and we're left with 54 hours - a third of our week - that is often overlooked.
It's surprising that while so much is said about managing the 25% of our week dedicated to work, the 33% of our week spent on non-work related activities is largely ignored. When people realize they have more free time than work time, they're often astounded. Work is such a dominant part of our lives that we often forget we have lives beyond it.
So, what priorities have you set for the 54 non-work hours available each week? Are you acting on these priorities daily? If your children were asked about your life priorities, what would their response be?
Many people understand the need to set priorities at work, but fail to do the same for their personal lives. This discrepancy is not due to a lack of spirituality, as even devout individuals can fall into this trap. The real issue is that we often pay lip service to our priorities without truly committing to them.
For Christians, the order of priorities is typically God, spouse, family, job, and then hobbies. However, human nature often leads us astray from these priorities. This is not unique to Christianity; followers of many religions struggle with the same issue.
Commitment is crucial when setting priorities. We must commit to establishing our priorities and meeting them one at a time. For believers, God should be the top priority, as faith can provide the strength and fortitude to establish and meet all other life priorities.
Romans 12:2 NIV states, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Merely pledging to prioritize God during Sunday service is not enough. You must commit to making God the top priority in your life and follow through on that commitment. Only then will you discover the ability to set priorities in your life, even outside of work, and fulfill your goals.
If you do not have God in your life, I encourage you to seek spiritual fulfillment. If God is only present in your life on Sundays, I urge you to make a deeper commitment and prioritize your faith.
In conclusion, while it's commendable to manage your time and priorities at work, it's equally important to consider the 33% of your life spent on non-work related activities. Spend this time wisely.
