Time is so valuable, isn't it?

I often speak to the value of time when we talk to nonprofits about measuring the impact of every volunteer hour. Quantifying volunteer time is a great way to leverage resources and demonstrate the authentic value of an organization's human resources. If you are missing this valuation, you're missing an opportunity. (Reach out to me if you want more info on this.)

I have come to cherish my time more and more as I mature (i.e., get older). Every day is precious. Every hour expended counts. I don't quantify my personal time the way nonprofits quantify volunteer time, but recognizing the value of my time is no less important.

I challenge us to reevaluate where we spend our time. Are we wasting it binging Netflix or thumbing through social media or sitting in unnecessary meetings? Take an inventory of your time over the last two weeks. Where did you spend the majority of your time? Where did you find your time wasters? Consider your responses to these questions:

(1) Is this activity helping me become who I am striving to be?

(2) Is this activity helping me contribute to friends, family, community or the world in a meaningful way?

(3) Does this activity add value to my quality of life?

(4) Does this activity bring me happiness?

Self care is important. Activities that promote learning, growing and becoming are valuable uses of time. Giving back is important. Helping others, doing worthwhile work, and participating in charity are all good uses of time. Earning a living, doing chores, exercising and spending time with people we care about are valuable uses of time.

If you are spending time on activities where the answer to all four questions is no, the activity has to go. Commit to no more time wasters. Your time is precious. Your time is valuable. Make it count.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

#time #nonprofits #value #communitydevelopmentprofessionals