Waste TIME WISELY
Hello my fellow feather rufflers,
With this being the first post in a collection of many thoughts to come, I figured we’d ease into the ruffling of feathers. I want to provide you with actionable ideas; things you can implement the second you are done reading. Some of my ideas may resonate with you, others may not, and that is fine. If you feel someone you know may benefit from what you read, share it with them. We are only as good as our reference point. Let’s get into it.
In a world where hustle culture reigns supreme and productivity is worshipped like a deity, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every moment must be filled with purposeful action. But let me drop a truth bomb on you: it's okay to waste time. Yes, you heard me correctly. Wasting time can actually be a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. However, there's a key difference between wasting time wisely and simply wasting time for the fuck of it.
One question to ask yourself before wasting time wisely is: “What is the ROI of this?”
What will I get in return for *insert activity*?
So, what exactly is wasting time wisely? It's about intentionally choosing how you spend your leisure moments to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate. It's about recognizing that downtime isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.
Wasting time wisely means engaging in activities that bring you joy, foster creativity, or deepen your connections with others. Whether it's losing yourself in a good book, taking a leisurely stroll in nature, or indulging in an educational show or podcast instead of mindless reality TV, these moments of "wasted" time are actually investments in your overall happiness and fulfillment; if you can learn something and add a new gem to your tool-belt simultaneously, that’s fucking awesome, embrace it.
On the other hand, mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours on end or binge-watching Netflix without purpose, or sitting at a bar on your 3rd beer watching a game of “get the ball over the line” can be detrimental to your well-being. This type of time-wasting not only leaves you feeling drained and unfulfilled but also robs you of the opportunity to engage in activities that truly nourish your soul. And the beauty of this is, it looks different for everybody.
So, how can you start wasting time wisely? It all begins with intentionality. Instead of defaulting to mindless distractions when you have free time, take a moment to ask yourself what you truly need in that moment, what would set your soul on fire? And you may have habits that you want to break regarding to this, triggers. If you have time on your hands you go to the bar, why not the gym? You’re craving a snack and reach for an ice cream cookie, why not a smoothie? Do you need rest? Do you need inspiration? Do you need connection? Choose the activity with the higher ROI, each and every time.
Here are 3 actionable steps you can take next time you want to waste some time:
Audit Your Time: Take a close look at how you're currently spending your free time. Keep a journal for a week and track your activities. Identify which ones bring you genuine joy, fulfillment, or relaxation, and which ones leave you feeling drained or unfulfilled.
Set Intentions: Before engaging in leisure activities, take a moment to set an intention for how you want to spend your time. Ask yourself what you truly need in that moment—whether it's relaxation, inspiration, connection, or learning—and choose activities that align with those needs.
Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness and presence in your leisure moments. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or zoning out in front of the TV, practice being fully present and engaged in whatever activity you choose. This can help you derive more satisfaction and meaning from the experience.
Remember, it's not about being productive or achieving a specific outcome—it's about honoring yourself and your well-being. The act itself IS the outcome.
So go ahead, embrace the art of wasting time wisely. Give yourself permission to slow down, recharge, and savor the simple pleasures of life. Because in the end, it's not about how much time you spend being productive—it's about how you spend the moments in between, for that is what life is made of.
Keep kicking ass. Bazinga.
Adam Rudolf
