Time is worth more than money. It took me years to understand that life-changing idea.
There are so many demands on our time and we foolishly opt in to BS all the time without necessarily realizing it.
These brain drain activities serve no tangible benefit and only leave us with less time than we had before.
With less time, we make worse and worse decisions, separate ourselves from our loved ones, do less work we enjoy, and have less time to do whatever the hell we want to do — even if that means staring out the window.
Chasing approval
It’s not worth it to try to get approval.
It’s like putting on a machine and expecting to get somewhere.
Even though you work hard and get tired, you’re still stuck in the same place. It’s not worth the time, effort, or skills.
When you’re always looking for praise, you depend on other people to tell you how valuable you are.
It’s a weak base that always depends on what other people think.
You change into a robot to fit in, but you lose who you are in the process.
Know that the approval standards are always changing as you chase after clearance.
What was praised today could quickly become criticized tomorrow. The quest never ends and doesn’t lead to anything useful. It drains your emotions and minds without giving you anything in return.
So, what’s the alternative? Build self-approval.
Validate yourself, acknowledge your worth, and don’t hinge your value on external applause.
When you free yourself from the chains of external validation, you not only regain control but also carve a path defined by confidence and self-belief, which is crucial for success and contentment in life.
In the end, it’s your life and your journey. Don’t let the noise of approval drown out your inner voice.
Listen to it, trust it, and invest your time in living authentically and purposefully.
Worrying about things out of your control
Worrying won’t change what will happen.
It’s a known time-waster that takes away from the present moment without giving anything in return.
It doesn’t help to worry about a trip that might be late or a deal that might not go through.
Worrying is pointless and doesn’t get you anywhere.
You shouldn’t think about it if you can’t do anything about it.
Get more emotional space by giving up worrying about things you can’t change.
Instead, pay attention to what you can influence.
This change in attitude frees you up and lets you handle life’s unknowns with ease and grace instead of worry and stress.
Learn to tell the difference between what you can reach and what you can’t.
Instead of dwelling on problems, putting your time into taking steps toward answers makes for a more useful and satisfying life.
Out of all the things on our list that are not worth your time, this one is probably one of the most consuming.
Engaging in negative self-talk
Negative self-talk is a silent destroyer of dreams and self-esteem.
It creeps into your mind invisibly, weakening your confidence and making it hard to make decisions.
The words we use to talk to ourselves affect how we see things and, in the end, how real things are.
Having a conversation based on self-criticism and uncertainty is not only pointless, it’s also harmful.
The brain is very flexible; it believes and internalizes the words it hears over and over again.
Hence, if the narrative is negative, the outlook becomes similarly gloomy.
If you want to break free, you have to choose to speak a language of possibility and strength.
Being positive without thinking isn’t what this is about; it’s about healthy self-reflection and recognizing your worth and potential.
Adopt a language that shows not only who you are but also who you want to be. This will help you grow and be successful.
When you train your mind, you think positive thoughts, and when you act on these ideas, you reinforce them.
Think about it for a second, success comes from the way you act and think every day. And it all starts with how you talk to yourself.
Comparing yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others is like falling in quicksand—the more you try to get out, the deeper you get pulled in.
It’s a dangerous slope that leads to being unhappy, angry, and having a skewed view of your own worth.
It is very important to understand that everyone’s life journey is different, with their own set of problems, successes, and due dates.
Comparison not only takes away your happiness, but it also makes it hard to see things clearly.
Most of the time, we don’t think about the struggles and hard work other people have gone through to get where they are when we compare our behind-the-scenes to their highlight clips.
The easiest way to kill something special is by comparing it to something else.
You could focus on your own growth, celebrate small wins, and work toward bigger goals instead of wasting time and energy on these comparisons.
Instead of looking sideways, look ahead.
Set your own goals, enjoy your growth, and don’t let other people’s success scare you.
Success isn’t a zero-sum game, after all. Everyone can win in their own way.
The important thing is to keep your eyes on your own goals and run your own race at your own pace.
Pleasing everyone
It’s an exhaustive, Sisyphean task to try to meet everyone’s expectations – a cycle with no end or reward in sight.
Attempting to please everyone is not only an exercise in futility but also a significant drain on your time, energy, and resources.
When you’re caught up in this never-ending cycle, it’s almost impossible to stay true to yourself and honor your own needs, values, and boundaries.
Not every demand or expectation placed on you is reasonable or worth your commitment.
In the pursuit of universal approval, your authentic self gets overshadowed by a persona you construct to fit into everyone else’s mold.
The truth is, you cannot be everything to everyone.
It’s essential to acknowledge that not all criticism is constructive and not all praise is genuine.
By trying to win everyone over, you’re essentially setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.
Recognize that it’s okay to say no, to set boundaries, and to prioritize your mental health and well-being over others’ incessant demands.
Ultimately, the only approval that truly matters is your own.
Cultivating self-approval requires reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to your personal growth and authenticity.
Being a people pleaser is one of the things that aren’t only not worth your time, but also highly energy draining.
Dwelling on past mistakes
Focusing on past mistakes is like trying to unspill the milk.
While reflecting can be helpful, ruminating too much is just a never-ending cycle of self-doubt and sorrow.
Mistakes are not life sentences; they are life’s most important lessons.
Do not dwell in the narrow streets of what-could-have-been; instead, walk with confidence on the wide avenues of what-can-still-be.
Thinking about mistakes you’ve made in the past is like moving forward while looking at your rearview mirror—you’ll end up in another accident.
Get better, let go, and keep living.
The past, with all of its mistakes and successes, can’t be changed or touched.
Instead of wasting your years on things that are not worth your time, try and focus on today and what comes next.
Investing in one-way relationships
Getting involved in a one-way relationship is like putting your time and emotions into a deep pit; you get nothing in return.
If you want your relationships to be fruitful and important, they need to go both ways.
You’ll spend a lot of time helping, supporting, and giving in a one-way relationship, but you won’t get much or any in return.
It’s not just about fair trade. It’s also about knowledge, respect, and value for each other.
Being the only one who contributes takes up a lot of your time and energy and makes you feel bad about your own self-worth and self-esteem.
It’s important to keep looking at the ties you’re putting time and effort into.
Are they making your life better, or are they just draining your energy without giving it back?
Join relationships that help each other out, where both people can grow, get help, and invest in each other.
Time is a limited resource that can’t be replaced. Spending it on relationships that are only good for one person is not smart or viable.
Find people who are willing to invest in you as much as you are willing to invest in them. This will help you both grow and support each other.
Overthinking every decision
It seems reasonable to carefully consider every choice when you want to be the best, but this is a trap.
This kind of deep thought leads to hesitancy, missed chances, and constant worry about “doing it wrong.”
Overthinking makes it hard to be spontaneous and creative, which are important for both personal and professional growth.
The truth is that not every choice needs a list of pros and cons or a night of deep thought.
You have to trust your gut sometimes, make the choice, and then change your mind if you need to.
Always keep in mind that perfection is bad for growth.
Instead of trying to make the perfect plan, try to make one that can be changed and allows for mistakes and surprises. That’s how you learn and grow.
Spending time with energy drainers
Imagine your social circle as a garden, and the people you choose as the various plants that grow in it.
Choosing those around you well is like cultivating an environment where each person contributes to the beauty and health of the garden.
It’s about fostering connections that nourish and help you flourish.
Your social circle is like a tapestry woven with the threads of shared values and mutual respect.
Choosing the right people is like weaving those threads into a pattern that creates a supportive and harmonious network.
It’s about aligning yourself with individuals who contribute positively to your journey.
Think of your friendships as investments in your well-being.
Make a habit out of choosing the right crowd and your life will vastly improve.
It’s about fostering connections that add value to your life and contribute positively to your personal growth.
Chasing perfection
Perfection is hard to find and is mostly just a dream. The more you try to reach it, the farther away it gets. It’s like an illusion in the middle of a desert of hard work.
When you’re focused on getting the best situation, product, or self, you usually don’t do anything.
Why? Because perfectionism makes people afraid—fear of not being good enough, fear of making mistakes, and fear of being judged.
These three fears stop people from being creative and moving forward.
It’s important to know that the path to improvement never ends. Accepting the things that aren’t perfect while constantly making them better is how great people work.
Do not try to be perfect; instead, aim for excellence and constant growth.
A lot of the time, failure and correction are painted on top of success. Every brushstroke, no matter how bad it is, adds to the picture.
Don’t try to be perfect; aim for growth.
The first one is attainable and rewarding, while the second one is frustrating and unreal.
Saying Yes to everything
It may look like a quick way to become popular or successful to say yes to every request or chance that comes your way, but it’s actually a dangerous path that leads to burnout and unhappiness.
Saying “yes” to everything drains your energy, attention, and commitment, making you tired and unable to do your work well.
Your time is valuable, so spend it on things and people that are in line with your ideals, help you grow, and make you happy.
Being selective about the people you commit to not only saves your energy but also makes room for opportunities and relationships that really count.
This way of thinking doesn’t encourage being selfish; instead, it encourages careful thought and good use of your time.
Stop saying yes to things that are not worth your time!
Drama
Here’s the thing about drama: it’s not worth your time. Sure, it’s exciting in the short run. But that’s about it.
It’s distracting, draining, and bad for your mental health and the growth of your life.
It makes the surroundings unhealthy so that negativity and growth can take hold instead.
People see you as unreliable and unprofessional when you get involved in drama, which can ruin relationships and hurt your image.
To avoid drama, you need to build a group of people who are supportive, and understanding, and don’t cause it.
It means staying away from people who regularly cause trouble and choosing relationships that are stable, honest, and focused on growth instead.
Chasing money at the expense of happiness
Striving for wealth is not inherently negative; however, the relentless pursuit of money at the expense of joy and contentment is.
This unbalanced chase often leads to a life that might be financially abundant but is emotionally bankrupt.
When the accumulation of wealth becomes the sole focus, crucial aspects of a fulfilling life like relationships, health, and personal development are often neglected, leading to dissatisfaction and regret.
It’s imperative to understand that money is a tool, not an end.
It’s a means that allows for comfort and opportunity but cannot buy happiness, love, or meaningful connections.
The truly wealthy individuals are those who have struck a balance between their financial and personal lives, understanding the importance of both and refusing to sacrifice one for the other.
Waiting for the ‘right’ moment
People often waste important time waiting for the “perfect” time to start a project, go after an idea, or make a life-changing choice.
This never-ending search for perfection not only slows down progress but also makes people feel like they are never ready or good enough.
The truth is that there isn’t always a good time to do something.
Chances don’t just appear out of nowhere; you have to be brave and smart to take them.
Also, while you’re busy playing the waiting game, life keeps moving forward without stopping.
The days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years.
You don’t even know it when the time you thought you were carefully saving has gone away forever.
People who are successful know and accept that life isn’t perfect and that things can go wrong.
The thing is that waiting for the “right” moment is a mistake many people make. Pair the widespread with the fact that it’s one of the top things that are not worth your time. The result is kind of saddening.
Constantly refreshing feeds
In the digital era, staying informed is crucial, yet it’s vital to delineate the fine line between awareness and obsession.
Constantly refreshing news feeds fall into the latter category, an insidious time-drain that offers minimal value in return.
News, especially in the modern landscape, is designed to be sensational, often steering your attention away from your personal goals and towards an endless cyclone of breaking stories, most of which have little to no direct impact on your life.
Moreover, the habit of ceaselessly checking for updates fosters anxiety and stress, as you are bombarded with information, much of it negative or irrelevant.
Successful individuals understand the importance of selective focus.
They keep themselves informed but don’t allow the never-ending stream of news to distract them from their objectives and vision.
Engage in activities that bring value, growth, and joy to your life.
In conclusion, try and identify how many of the things that are not worth your time you engage in and try eliminating them ASAP. Your time is limited, so make sure you get 100% out of it.
See you next time!
#alphalife #savage
About the Author
