from Bob Proctor
Let’s start with a simple thought: What would you do if you had all the time in the world? The truth is, every living soul gets exactly the same amount of time. Every single one of us, no exceptions. Whether you’re a billionaire industrialist or a homeless person sleeping under a bridge, you get the same 24 hours a day. It’s a fact that doesn’t change.
Now, stop and think about that for a second. What separates the person who spends their day on the park bench from the successful business mogul? It’s not the number of hours in the day. We all get the same amount of time. It’s what we do with that time that makes all the difference.
So, what are you doing with your time?
The Illusion of Time Management
Here’s something to consider: Time management programs are everywhere. In fact, most people have tried one or two—some have even spent good money on them. I know I have. I created one myself once, spent a lot of money and time on it… and guess what? It was a complete waste. Do you know why? Time can’t be managed.
You might be shaking your head, thinking, But isn’t time management the key to success? Well, that’s where things get interesting.
The Turning Point: A Lesson From Earl Nightingale
Let me share a personal story that completely shifted my perspective on time management. One morning, I was having breakfast with Earl Nightingale in Chicago. We were preparing for a speaking engagement, and as always, I was eager to ask him some insightful questions. I asked him, “Earl, how did you learn to master time management?” His response was something I’ll never forget.
He paused, looked up at me, and said, “What the hell are you talking about?”
I was taken aback. He continued, “I’ve never mastered time management, and nobody ever has. Time can’t be managed. I manage activity.”
Let that sink in. Earl wasn’t interested in managing time. He wasn’t trying to make the clock stretch longer or give himself more hours. Instead, he managed his activities—his focused actions.
The Secret: Managing Activity, Not Time
Earl told me that every night before bed, he would write down the six most important things he needed to accomplish the next day—things that were goal-oriented, activities that would move him forward. When he woke up, he focused on those six items, and nothing else. If he didn’t finish all six, he wouldn’t add more to the next day’s list. Instead, those unfinished items would become part of the next day’s six priorities.
Here’s the key: It wasn’t about managing time. It was about managing activity—what you choose to do with your time.
The Power of Focused Activity
I’m sure you’ve noticed that in our fast-paced world, people are often busy—busy with things that don’t always matter. The challenge isn’t about finding more time, but rather about finding the activities that truly move you closer to your goals. If you want to master your life, then it’s not time you need to control, it’s the activities you engage in.
So, how can you apply this to your life?
- Set clear priorities: Write down the six most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow. These are your goal-achieving activities. Focus all your energy on them.
- Don’t overwhelm yourself: Keep the list manageable. Six is the magic number. If you don’t finish everything today, roll those tasks over to the next day. But don’t keep piling on tasks.
- Master your activities, not your time: Every day, give your conscious attention to the activities that will move you closer to your goals. Time is the same for everyone, but not everyone manages their activities well.
In Conclusion: It’s All About Activity
Time can’t be controlled, but you have the power to control the activities you engage in. By focusing on the right activities—those that align with your long-term goals—you can make the most out of every day. As Earl Nightingale wisely said, “I merely manage activity.”
Take this lesson with you: Time is a constant, but your activities are the variable. It’s how you manage those activities that will determine the outcome of your life.
So, start managing your activities, and your time will take care of itself.
I hope you gain as much from this lesson as I have over the years. This is Bob Proctor, and I’m grateful to have shared this insight with you. Thank you for your time!
