Issue No. 19

We all know time can slip away, but we rarely think about how much we're losing out on. It's like a vague feeling we don't pay much attention to. The reason? We don't really measure the value of time the right way. Time isn't just the numbers on the clock or how long we spend doing stuff. Think about it: spending an hour on something might feel like a whole day's grind.

Peter Thiel talks about definite optimism, which means being sure and positive about what's coming ahead. Even when things are uncertain or tough, you believe you can make things better. Basically, he's saying:

Make a clear plan and go for it.

Here's how it's linked to time. Picture the future you want, so you know what steps to take. Anything that doesn't fit that picture? Drop it.

Imagine you want to build a startup, just like me. Someone without a clear plan might say, “I want to be the head of the next big company.” Sounds great, but what's the plan? You'll hit a wall if the future is fuzzy. What kind of company? Is it B2C? B2B? Software? Hardware? What vertical? Are you going to be a solo founder? How much equity are you willing to liquidate? Where are you going to incorporate? Are you searching for Angel, Pre-Seed, Seed level investments? What does the MVP look like? Who are your customers? What are their values and priorities? What makes your company different from thousands of others? Who are your connections? There's more to it than meets the eye. Building a business from scratch is tough. To really succeed, you gotta have a clear plan.

Since that's exactly what I'm aiming for over the next decade, I had a chat with myself. What things do I need to drop to get there faster? Partying, hanging out with new people, just doing nothing – all had to go. Unless you're a close friend, no more random hangouts or calls. Shoot me an email, I'll reply when I can. I had to put aside hobbies like drawing and painting. I stopped spending on things I don't need so I can save up for my projects. I cut down on travel, just visiting family once or twice a year. And that's just one goal; I've got more, each needing different stuff. But once I ditched the time-wasters, I had more time for the things that really matter. More for close friends, family, relationships, and stuff I love doing. My trips are more about bonding, not just sightseeing. Money goes into experiences, not things.

All that's worth a lot to me. My time turns into something valuable because of these experiences.

1. So, here's how to not waste time:

2. Be super specific about your future plans.

3. List out what it takes to make those plans real.

4. Chuck out stuff that doesn't fit.

5. Get started and stick to it.

6. If things don't work out, try again, learn from before.

Do this, and you'll find out you've got more in you than you thought. You'll become someone who owns their time and can't be slowed down. Your future will be what you want because you've mapped it out. You'll stay positive, always improving, and you'll manage what you can. The things you can't control? You won't sweat them. You won't need a pep talk because your actions match your values. You and your thoughts will become one, making your dreams real.

Dead Tree

by Ron Szalata