Succeed by Maximizing the In Between

“We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.”  — John F. Kennedy

We have previously pointed out once you spend time, you can’t get it back. Depending on the perspective, the same can be said for money. Once you spend a dollar, you can never get that particular dollar back. Luckily, there are chances to make more money, but you can’t create more time. This helps motivate to utilize each moment to maximum effect. If you apply this outlook across life it can help you to maximize all efforts, no matter how small.

As your career advances and you form a family, large blocks of time are harder and harder to get. Research indicates that 2-5 hours of free time a day leads to optimal happiness. Conversely – and ironically – too much free time is actually detrimental and linked to lower subjective well-being due to a lacking sense of productivity¹. Unfortunately, it is likely your to-do list far outweighs your free time period. This makes it essential to maximize the in between time to move forward. Standing in line to check out? Pull up your e-book and finish a few pages. Driving home from work? Plan out your to-do list or how your are going to give your upcoming presentation. Have a work call that ended ten minutes early? Wipe down your countertop.

The same approach can be applied to spending and saving. Obviously, there is a macro approach to saving, but also a day-to-day approach. Considering the average cup of Starbucks coffee costs $3.30², if you buy one on the way to work every day, that adds up to $858 a year. A simple change in your coffee purchase habit could allow that additional money to go into your savings or investments. Another example is streaming services. If you pay for 4 services per month at $8-23 per month that adds up to $384-1,104 per year³. Again, could that money better serve you elsewhere?

As these in between moments come up, instead of pulling out your phone to scroll social media, ask yourself, “What small thing can I accomplish right now?” Do the same with spending. Before making that purchase here or sign up for a subscription there, ask, “Is this the best use of my money?” Incremental progress adds up. Put it to use.

Action: Maximize your in between time to make progress.

Further Reading:

1. Having too little or too much time is linked to lower subjective well-being
2. Starbucks Menu Prices: How Much Does a Cup of Coffee Cost?
3. Plans and Pricing