"It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested." Seneca the Younger
I don't know anyone who says they have enough time.
In modern society, we are all chasing the clock, constantly running, cramming as much as possible into 24-hour days, and often falling into bed each night exhausted and defeated.
I have spent years obsessed with optimising my time management and productivity, reading and applying techniques from numerous experts. Nothing really worked.
Then I read Seneca's
"On the Shortness of Life"
Over 2000 years ago, this Stoic philosopher laid out the best framework for dealing with time that I have found.
Here are five profound lessons from Seneca:
✅ Decide what YOU want to do with your life
Don't let others decide for you (yes, "others" include the boss, your partner and your kids...!)
✅ Don't be fooled by busyness
If you are too busy, refocus. Busyness is an excuse and a sign that something isn't right.
✅ Don't put important things off
Take immediate action, even if this is taking a small step.
✅ Don't over-plan
Don't postpone happiness for the future. Live each day as if it were your last.
✅ Reflect on each day
At the end of the day, review how you have done. This is how you can tell if you are on track and correct your mistakes.
Finally, Seneca urges us to remember that life is not a dress rehearsal.
The biggest regret of the dying is living the life others expected of us instead of living a life true to ourselves.
So stop trying to be ever more productive and start by reading Seneca's text (link below to free version).
It could change your relationship with Time Management forever.