Today’s Exchange Rate

Exchange is a word that many of us are familiar with. We exchange presents with others during celebrations, we request an exchange when a wrong or faulty delivery is made.

Those working in the money markets are focused on the day’s financial exchange rates.

Every day we are involved in a much more significant exchange, one that is irreversible for the most part.

I came across a quote by an unknown author which says, ‘what you do today is important because you’re exchanging a day of your life for it.

I don’t know about you but this is a very sobering thought that we might be exchanging days, weeks, months and even years of our lives for nothing. And that’s easy to do.

How often do we wonder how the day disappeared without anything worthwhile, tangible or meaningful having been exchanged for it?

We remain in unprecedented times with people’s movements limited and businesses and jobs unlike it has ever been. Those whose businesses rely on physical presence have either had to adapt or lose income.

Many of us have found extra time on our hands and seen days morph into weeks. Some feel at a loss, some are thriving and others feel like they are at a standstill.

Regardless of which group you’re in, it’s still easy to fall in to the trap of exchanging days of our lives for nothing. So how can we make better decisions?

Be mindful about each day

Make a choice to be more present throughout the day regardless of what you’re doing. In the gym, if you’re fully present you become more aware of the muscles you’re working and that produces better results.

If you’re more present during mealtimes, you are more satisfied and less likely to overeat, binge or crave unhealthy foods.

When you’re more present in meetings you become productive and when you’re fully present at home, family times become quality and life transforming times especially for the next generation. Get more out of the things you must do.

Bring out the plans

These are days for good old fashioned plans. Start and end your days with a reflection or review time. Consider what you accomplished and what’s outstanding.

Move your incomplete actions onto your plan for the next day and add any new actions. Make sure it’s realistic to fit into the day.

Make time for yourself by adding some fun and relaxation time. Having productive days does not mean you don’t have down-times.

Develop yourself

Everyday, we should make time for self discovery and development. This could be as simple as reading a book, listening to a podcast, taking an online course, doing brain training exercises, starting a new hobby or learning new skills.

Time for self development should be a core part of everyday. We can be more creative in how we make this happen. Keep a book in the bathroom and read a chapter every time you’re in there.

Identify your time stealers

Social media is designed to be addictive and steal your time unless you’re mindful of your use. Also access to technology means we can get lost in a world where time is the currency for short term pleasure.

Many apps will auto feed you bottomless content unless you change the setting. Easy access to streaming devices means we are constantly entertained in exchange for our time and consequently life.

While we are making these expensive exchanges, some people are smiling to the bank. If you’re going to play this game, choose to be on the winning side.

Start with the end in mind

See the end of your day before it starts. This simply means having a mental picture of what your great day looked like. What did you accomplish and how did it make you feel?

Then create that day by doing only the things that will make your vision happen. It becomes easier to say no to the things that will detract from your day.

Thanks for reading my post. Please help share this wider. Have a productive week.