Every activity is an investment (of time).
The question is: how high is the return? And how far?
And what kind?
These questions are in your mind every time you choose how to spend your time. Maybe unconsciously.
Let's give sense to all of it, and make it a conscious decision instead 👇
Time pays off
The core premise is:
Time spent = Skill acquisition (aka adaptation)
This is valid for all activities, everything!
You scrolling TikTok all day? (Don't, please)
Guess what? You became better at scrolling TikTok. You spent time, you got a return.
Now, the question becomes: how valuable is the return on the (time) investment?
Important: the definition of "valuable" is on you, it's not necessarily money (at all).
Your work, works on you, more than you, work on it.
Value
The definition of "value" suddenly becomes crucial 🙌
If you don't define "value" for you, then society steps in and calls it "money".
That's a trap. If you fall for it, then everything that doesn't "make money" has no value.
Which is terrible, and completely reversed 🫵
Money is a consequence of skill and exposure over time.
You become really good, you let people know, and eventually someone will pay you.
My experimental definition for value is: "Medium/Long term enjoyment". A skill that will bring me joy for a long time after learning it.
We work in order to become…rather than to achieve. The accomplishment is fleeting but who we become lasts.
Compounding
Third major question: how much and how long does my time compound?
Back to the "scrolling on TikTok" example:
- Not much perceived joy long term
- No meaningful skill acquisition
- Low potential for monetization
Result: low return, no compounding.
"Scrolling on TikTok" is a not-generalizable skill, it doesn't compound in any meaningful way 💁🏼♂️
Another example is learning to code:
- Learn logic, algorithms, abstract planning (generalizable skills)
- High potential for monetization, long term
- The more you learn, the more you can expand into other tech/languages
- Joy (for me) of going from nothing to a final product
Result: high return, huge compounding.
These are two stark examples. But this applies in everything:
- Going out with friends: high return in current and potential long-term joy, low/negative return in money and learning
- Painting: potential long-term return in satisfaction and joy, relatively low potential for monetization
- Workout: low potential for monetization, huge compounding on quality of life and effectiveness
Think about this when you prioritize you time:
Activities that "feel" strenuous in the moment often give the highest return long term 🫡
Review the activities you do, and how they compound over time.
Make sure that the time you spend today guarantees a bright future tomorrow as well.
And not only money, but mostly enjoyment and satisfaction.
See you next 👋