Recently, I really have been caught up in these topics of time and how best to spend it. This got me thinking and I decided to share what I know with you guys; you just might get it twisted like most people.
What is really Happening?
- We’re taught that every second is irreplaceable, but obsessing over it can backfire.
- Stressing to “save minutes” may cost you years of healthy, productive life.
- True time efficiency isn’t about the clock—it’s about aligning your actions with health, values, and big-picture goals.
A Story: When Saving Minutes Backfires
Jerry once went to buy a car. The salesperson was slow getting his paperwork ready, and he was stressing out because he had to get back to work.
Frustration boiled over; he raised his voice. The salesperson scrambled, rushed, and finally got him out the door in time. On paper, He “won back” a few minutes.
But here’s the hidden cost: each time he reacts this way, whether with a coworker, his spouse, or anyone else he is burning himself out. Stress chemicals pile up in his body. Over years, that constant pressure added up to health problems. For him, it meant high blood pressure and an early retirement.
The Math Doesn’t Add Up
If he totals all the minutes, he “saved” by forcing situations to go faster, it might add up to about 1.5 million minutes, or roughly three years.
But because of the toll on his health, he lost about 15 years of active work life. That’s a net loss of 12 years. Not exactly a smart trade-off.
The Biggest Time Waste Isn’t What You Think
Here’s the real waste of time: doing things that go against your health, your values, or your peace of mind.
If you want to be efficient with your time, focus first on the macro decisions, the big calls about your health, career, and relationships. When you get those right, the small daily tasks (the micro stuff) take care of themselves.
How do we effectively measure time?
Don’t measure time by seconds or minutes lost. Measure it by evaluating in macro terms, the effect of what you have gained or lost in the said time.
“The real question isn’t whether I managed time well today, but whether I managed it in a way that best serves my long-term goals.”
The Takeaway
Don’t just grab every “time management hack” you hear. Evaluate the long-term costs. Sometimes saving a few minutes today can rob you of years tomorrow.
Bottom line: Don’t save 3 years only to lose 15 years.
Thanks for reading. I write to challenge the way we see work, time, and life—always aiming to spark reflection that leads to better choices. If this post resonated with you, share it with someone who might need the reminder today.
— Ololade Fagbohunlu
CEO of Upper Crust Geek Solutions. A business strategist, marketing expert, and technology-driven leader with 15+ years of shaping brands across Africa.
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