A Meaningful Approach to Getting Things Done

Time is incredibly finite, yet it stretches on forever, offering us momentary glimpses of opportunity and change.

It’s not just a resource to be managed but a gift to be cherished. It is too easy to waste time, and yet, possible to use it more efficiently and effectively. Learning to manage it changes our response to the many challenges of life.

We may have the best of intentions, but more often than not, we find ourselves in the same situation — running out of time and wishing we had more. When managing our time, we are faced with the same decision: obligatory or discretionary time.

Must do

Obligatory time refers to tasks and activities we must or are required to do, such as work and other obligations we cannot avoid. External factors like deadlines and responsibilities often determine it.

Obligatory responsibilities are necessary for our survival. We do them out of necessity or obligations we cannot avoid.

Parents have an obligatory responsibility to provide for their children’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and education.

Employees must show up at work to perform their duties to the best of their ability.

Obligatory time is when you commit to activities based on your role, position, or relationship with others. It is an obligation expected of you due to a moral, legal, or social expectation.

The right to decide

Discretionary time is when we spend or invest time without external constraints or obligations.

It’s time left for us to use at our own discretion, which can be a great way to make the most of our valuable hours. A meaningful life depends on how you use your discretionary time.

People use their discretionary time for hobbies or interests, such as reading, playing sports, or playing music. Others spend most of it with friends and family.

You could pursue personal goals or aspirations, such as learning a new skill or starting a passion side project with your discretionary time.

Some people engage in self-care activities, such as exercising, watching TV, spending time in nature, meditating, and practising gratitude.

With careful planning, we can use our discretionary time to prioritise our hobbies, passions, and relationships and take care of ourselves meaningfully.

Can we find balance?

How we allocate time for obligatory and discretionary purposes is how we spend our lives. It determines the trajectory of our lives.

Having too much obligatory time and not enough discretionary time can lead to stress and burnout.

“What kills us isn’t one big thing, but thousands of tiny obligations we can’t turn down for fear of disappointing others,” says Alain de Botton, an author and philosopher.

On the other hand, having too much discretionary and insufficient obligatory time can lead to boredom and restlessness.

Finding a healthy balance between the two can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

While fulfilling one’s obligatory responsibilities is important, making time for discretionary activities that promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being is equally important.

While we all have a limited amount of time daily, the balance between obligatory and discretionary time can vary greatly depending on work schedules, family responsibilities, and personal preferences.

It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine of life, but to make the most of our time; we must be conscious of the possibilities that each day brings.

Taking the time to reflect on how we spend our days can help us to focus on what is truly important.

Finding a healthy balance between discretionary and obligatory time can be key to a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

That means you can meet your survival obligations while still having time for meaningful experiences that bring out the best in you.

Balancing work and life is a cycle, not an outcome

“Real wealth is discretionary time. Money is simply fuel for your life. You can always make another dollar, but you can’t make another minute. Don’t let the pursuit of money erode your wealth,” says Alan Weiss, a consultant, speaker, and author.

While obligatory time is critical for our success, it is important to recognise how we use our discretionary time to create a more fulfilling life.

Engaging in downtime activities is vital for physical and mental health, as it provides an opportunity for relaxation and self-care.

A balanced life should include some time for relaxation, self-care, and pursuing meaningful goals and productive activities.

Having discretionary time to pursue hobbies or simply relax can provide a much-needed break from the demands of obligatory time.

It can also help restore and recharge the mind and body, allowing productivity regarding obligations.

While we all have a limited amount of time each day, the balance between obligatory and discretionary time can vary greatly depending on work schedules, family responsibilities, and personal preferences.

Obligatory time is critical for our success, but it’s important to recognise how we use our discretionary time to create a more fulfilling life.

Here’s how to separate the two:

  • Improve your time management skills: It’s the best approach to maximise your day and make the most of your time. That means setting priorities, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and using productivity tools wisely.
  • Set boundaries: Once you have identified your obligations, set clear boundaries around them. It involves setting specific times for work or other commitments and sticking to them. It can also include saying no to activities that interfere with your discretionary time.
  • Learn to say no without guilt: It’s essential to know your limits and not take on more obligations than you can handle. Saying no to requests or activities that don’t align with your priorities can help avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed.
  • Schedule discretionary time: Just as you schedule time for your obligations, schedule time for discretionary activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. That means investing time in hobbies, exercise, socialising with friends, or simply relaxing.
  • Practice self-care on purpose: Make time for self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature. It can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, improving your ability to balance your obligations and discretionary time.
  • Be flexible: Finding a healthy balance between discretionary and obligatory time is ongoing. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule as needed to meet your changing demands and priorities.

In conclusion, finding a healthy balance between discretionary and obligatory time takes effort, but it’s worth it for your overall well-being. You can lead a more fulfilling and enjoyable life by prioritising your obligations, making time for your passions, and taking care of yourself.

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