If you’ve kept up with this blog so far, it’s probably obvious that I love quoting Thoreau. I’ve been a huge fan of his since reading Walden a few years ago.
This particular quote resonates with something I’ve recently been focusing on a lot: proactively planning how I spend my time.
I’ve been reading a great book on time management called “First Things First,” by Stephen Covey. The basic message of this book is that most people spend their time focusing on things that may seem urgent, but aren’t necessarily important for their future growth and happiness. They get caught up in a myriad of duties and tasks that never seem to end. Yet at the end of the day, they don’t feel as though they accomplished anything of value.
I feel that way quite often. So I’ve started taking the time to ask myself just how important the things I’m doing really are. And by important I don’t mean urgent. I’m talking about actions that are in line with my core values and will help move me closer to the life I dream of (the things that normally get lost in the fray of daily concerns and duties). These are things like writing, researching future travel destinations, spending time with family and friends, or simply taking the time to relax by the beach.
I’ve already found that just being aware of this issue has created more time in my life for the things that really matter. Hopefully this quote can inspire you to take a conscious look at how you spend your time as well.
An Appetite For Beauty 