You may be surprised at this list of the biggest time wasters we regret when we get older. I certainly was. It gave me lots to think about.
I’ve always been a big fan of the maxim—You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run—but in some areas of my life I don’t always heed to this saying, especially on the time-wasting list.
The Biggest Time Wasters: Not Asking For Help
Being self-reliant is an important part of my psyche. I’ve always been a home repair person because it makes me feel empowered. When faced with things I know nothing about, I turn to research the topic. The big question then, is when is not asking for help wasting time?
To save time, you should:
- Pick someone’s brain. If you know an expert in the area or someone who has gone through the experience you are encountering before, ask them for helpful information or advice. Use it as a springboard to begin gathering any other necessary information.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what someone has asked you to do. Don’t risk doing it wrong because you are guessing what they meant. Say “Let me be sure I understand what you want me to do”—and repeat the instructions as you understand them, thus allowing an opportunity for clarification.
- Do it yourself or pay. Some people have no choice due to finances. But, for people like me who do have sufficient funds, when is asking and paying for help appropriate?
(OK, here I must confess that I am too cheap and end up doing it myself rather than paying someone. I’ll have to work on this!)
The Biggest Time Wasters: Trying To Make Bad Relationships Work
All relationships take work, but if, after honest attempts, it goes nowhere, it’s time to cut the cord. The energy can then be focused on the ones that are a win-win for both of you. When the stakes are high, counseling can help you analyze whether it is time to move on.
Afterward, taking time for self-reflection and working on your own issues that contributed to the failure can lead to more satisfying connections in the future.
The Biggest Time Wasters: Dwelling On Your Mistakes And Shortcomings
As humans, we are flawed. Basically, mistakes will be made and we will not live up to our own—or other’s—standards. Learning and growing from these experiences is crucial, but dwelling on them does nothing but lower our self-confidence. A spiral occurs—the worse we think we are, the worse we will get.
The Biggest Time Wasters: Worrying Too Much About Other People
The most important lesson I ever learned is that I cannot control other people. I can give advice, support, and love, but, in the end, they are going to do what they want. My mental distress is useless because I cannot control the outcome.
Basically, we need to heed the Finnish proverb regarding these timewasters: Happiness is a place between too little and too much—and quit wasting our time.
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