Ever feel like there’s never enough time or money to do the things you truly love? What if I told you that a few simple mindset shifts could change everything?
Living better isn’t just about working harder or making more money—it’s about thinking smarter. The way we manage our time and money determines our freedom, happiness, and long-term success. Imagine having control over your day, making intentional choices, and seeing your efforts multiply. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips to help you take charge of your time and finances, so you can create a life that feels truly rewarding. Let’s dive in!
What is true about both time and money?
People sometimes laugh when they hear I wake up at 5 am. But I tell them it’s my way of “paying myself first.”
They usually give me a puzzled look. Isn’t that some old-school finance advice? What does waking up early have to do with money?
Well, you probably know the classic pay yourself first rule—before paying bills, rent, or splurging on wants, you set aside money for yourself so you don’t end up with nothing.
I believe time works the same way.
Most people wake up and immediately give their time away—to work, family, traffic, endless to-dos. By the time the day is over, there’s barely any time left for themselves, and when there is, they’re too exhausted to enjoy it.
So for me, waking up early is how I pay myself first with time. Those early hours are mine, before the world starts making demands. And that’s why you don’t hear early risers complaining about “never having enough time”—because we make sure to claim it first.
Timeless lessons on mastering time and money!
There will always be demands on both your time and money—everyone wants a piece of them. At the same time, you also rely on other people’s time and money to navigate life. That’s just how the world works.
Another hard truth? Once you spend time or money, it’s gone. You can’t use it in two places at once.
Money buys goods and services, while time buys experiences. I’m choosing to spend my time writing this, but part of me would rather grab my binoculars and head to the ocean or a walk on the seashore. Another part wants to mindlessly scroll online. And then there’s the laundry that should be getting done.
But I can only pick one. Every choice I make shuts the door on all the others.
I’ll admit—these truths still frustrate me. But they remain, whether I like them or not.
Prioritize yourself first by making time for what truly matters!
Just as you should pay yourself first with money, you should do the same with your time.
Financially, paying yourself first means setting aside savings before spending on anything else. It’s about securing your future well-being and avoiding unnecessary stress. (Of course, if you’re struggling to meet basic needs, that’s a different challenge entirely.)
With time, paying yourself first means reserving your most valuable hours for what matters most to you—before you let the demands of others fill your schedule. Writing, creating, meditating, working out—whatever fuels you—should be booked first. Everything else must wait.
This principle is seen in monastic life: meditation and prayer are scheduled first, and when the bell rings, all else stops. If they didn’t prioritize it, they’d never find the time.
Often, paying yourself first means confronting anxiety. If I let fear of failure push me into scrolling my phone, I lose my writing time. If I allow guilt over others’ expectations to control me, I end up fulfilling their demands instead of staying true to my priorities.
At first, prioritizing yourself may feel uncomfortable. Expect that—and do it anyway.
Soon, you’ll realize just how vital this time is. You’ll protect it without guilt. And paradoxically, making time for yourself will make you more present and available for others when they truly need you.
Self-care is like paying into your life’s energy bank!
Click for rec
You must intentionally set aside time to care for your body and mind—to recharge physically, replenish emotionally, and maintain a balanced perspective on life.
I think of my body and emotions like a cherished pet—one that needs daily nourishment, movement, and gentle attention to thrive.
Caring for yourself isn’t optional; it takes real time. Eating well, exercising, and resting are daily necessities, not luxuries. And while I can’t speak for the inner world of dogs (though watching their paws twitch in dreams suggests they have one), I do know that humans need time not just for physical upkeep but for emotional and social well-being, too.
You need time to connect with your inner self—whether through journaling, meditation, or quiet reflection. You need time to nurture meaningful relationships. Time to engage in activities that restore your spirit. Time to ensure your home is a place of comfort. And, above all, time for deep, restorative sleep.
You are no exception. Thriving requires care, and care requires time.
Instead of wasting time, invest it!
When you invest your time wisely, it rewards you in the future. Time isn’t just spent—it accumulates, growing into something meaningful over the years. Small, consistent efforts can lead to profound outcomes: stronger health, deeper relationships, a body of creative work that stands the test of time.
Every hour you invest nurtures something valuable down the road—whether it’s mastering a skill, creating something meaningful, or building lasting connections. Learning to draw, playing an instrument, strengthening friendships, or growing a blog into a valuable intellectual asset—all are returns on time well spent.
One of the most rewarding investments I made was reading to our kids every night. From board books when they were infants to long novels read together on the couch in middle school, those moments became more than just stories. They deepened our bond, gave us shared laughter, and even sharpened our voice skills.
And now? Those memories bring me joy every time I think of them.
Win. Win. Win.
The more time you squander, the more future you will have to pay for it!
Wasting time isn’t just about doing something unproductive—it’s about creating problems that Future You will have to spend even more time fixing.
When you waste time, you’re essentially going into debt with the clock, robbing yourself of valuable hours down the line.
For instance, I might give in to the temptation to browse the internet rather than sitting down to concentrate on vital tasks. I may put off doing my assignment because I am a little nervous about it. And sure enough, I find something that enrages me. Click, click. Fury! How could they possibly—? I delve further and might even add my thoughts in the comments section.
For me, that’s a complete waste of time.
A true investment of my time would be to channel my energy into real action—donating, advocating, or actively working toward a solution. But indulging in “anger-tainment”—doomscrolling or getting caught up in arguments with internet strangers—only leaves me drained and distracted.
Now, I’m in time debt.
I have to spend even more time regaining my focus, calming down, and realigning with my real priorities—time I could have used for something far more meaningful.
Your attention is the currency of time!
Time is attention.
Where your mind goes, your time follows.
You’ve probably had the experience of driving down a familiar road, only to realize you don’t remember because your thoughts were elsewhere, replaying a conversation or arguing with someone in your head.
Your attention determines where your time is spent. And what you focus on is what you naturally get better at.
Small, consistent investments of time and attention lead to growth.
So ask yourself:
What do you want to be good at?
What do you want to nurture in your life?
What do you want to look back on with quiet pride, knowing that the way you spent your time added up to a life well lived?
Once you know the answer.
Pay yourself first.