I’d like you to approach that question like a songwriter. Think about the imaginative way they weave words to find other meanings. I’m not asking you how long it takes to do things. I’m encouraging you to carefully think about what takes your time, or steals it like a thief.

For me, time can be as valuable as money. Maybe even a little more.

When we’re driven to do things, when we know there are activities that bring us great joy and satisfaction, we become acutely aware of the importance of time. It’s finite.

So where is your time going?

So many people always seem to be ‘busy’, appear frustrated and clearly don’t appear to be where they want to be. Time is a clear factor here. It hurts. When we can’t do the things we value and when there seems to be far too much to deal with, our mental health and wellbeing inevitably decline.

So who or what is taking our time?

Is it a job, or people connected to a job? Is it someone close, who really needs or expects your time and commitment? Or, is it a path you’ve decided to walk? Have you taken on a project or become involved with a group or activity that takes a huge chunk of your time?

I’m not passing judgement here, just encouraging you to think.

A great way to approach this if you’re stuck is to think about what’s essential and what’s optional. For example, any frustration over things you’d rather do than go to work is pretty much irrelevant, as you have to do that. It’s an obligation. I truly believe that the less time we spend resisting things we can’t change, the better we feel.

It might be worth examining that frustration though, as the time you have free outside of work could be spent shaping a new future. A path towards doing more of the things you value.

As for everything that’s optional, It wouldn’t hurt to think about what you really want to do and who or what is guiding your choices. What takes your time?

Another thing you could consider is where the things you do can lead you? If you prioritise casual entertainment (like watching movies or playing games, over personal development (like going to the gym or honing a skill or craft) it’s unlikely to reward you in the long-run.

It’s that age old choice between instant gratification and a greater long-term reward.

There should be a lot to think about here. It would help to work out where your time is going and how much control you have over it. It would then help to work out what you value and what you appreciate. You should then be in a position to see if you’re plotting your course or just drifting along with the tide.

That leaves us with three easy things we can do right now:

• Think about where your time is going

• Work out who or what is taking it

• Ask yourself if you’re doing what you need to do

If this has got you thinking, my post, How to plan your life should be helpful. It prompts you to carefully explore your intentions, values and obligations. I hope this helps.