Maximize Your Time: Make the Most of the 4000 Weeks You Have Left

Life is too short to be living the same day twice! The other day, my mind was fixated on this thought. And being the epistemophile, that I am, I couldn’t help digging into some research. To my surprise, I discovered that an average healthy human has only 4000 weeks to live!

That’s right!

4000 weeks, that is only if you are lucky enough to blow out the candles on your 80th birthday! This means only 4000 fun Saturdays, 4000 lazy Sundays, and 4000 Monday blues! By the way, do not forget that we have already spent over half of this time!

My mind is blown!

We have been so obsessed with six-figure incomes and seven-storeyed bungalows, that we completely ignored this four-figured time that we are spending mindlessly. Even those who try to make the most of their time, are buried under to-do lists, overflowing inboxes, and held back by distractions. This constant strive to be more productive, and more efficient make it even worse!

Even the talks and tips on time management focus on maximum productivity and efficiency. But is it all you want in your life? Just trade all your time to create a success story that would just fade away! 

The harsh reality

Even when you know your time is so limited, you still stay enmeshed. There will never arrive a day when your inbox is all cleared when all your chores are done when no one is demanding your time. When you will wake up with a wide smile on the hillside, sit on the balcony and watch the sunrise. There would be nothing to do, nowhere to rush, nobody to please, and you can do or be everything you ever wished.

Deep in that heart of ours, we know, anything might happen in the next half an hour. And yet we are too scared to acknowledge that. Rather, we weave this comfortable lie that time is limitless and we splurge it, like a mad king!

In my own journey, when I look back, I find so many days wasted, in a futile attempt to optimize personal productivity. I read so many books on time management and most of those books talked about focus and discipline, work and life balance, about planning and manifesting but rarely do they highlight the windows to be happy!

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Time Management for Mortals: Oliver Burkeman

We are all mortals. But how often do we acknowledge that fact?

Oliver Burkeman, a noted author, presented an entertaining, practical, and profound guide to time management. Squashing the modern obsession of ‘reaching the pinnacle of success’ he presented a new take on creating a meaningful life. 

Oliver Burkeman says time is all we have. And its management has to be centered around the moments you cherish rather than the moments that make your soul perish. He further highlights that every time you use a portion of the time you sacrifice all the other things that you could have done!

That’s so true!

He also says that to-do lists and planners are just tools to keep one busy and somewhat stressed. But they never consider the long-term goals of creating a happy satisfied life. These planners and lists always push life into the future, the uncertain future that might never happen!

Also Read: Stress Management in Type 2 diabetes

Tips to manage your 4000 weeks

1. Life begins beyond your comfort zone

Bracing the fact that life is limited is the first step to walking out of that comfort zone! Turning to things that actually matter to you, and that you are truly passionate about is perhaps the second step. That big project you dreamt of, that book you left unfinished, the art that made you feel alive, your travel plans. These crazy ideas that keep coming to you, live them!

2. Waste your time well 

It is impossible to make use of all the seconds you got in your pot. So, it is very important to waste your time wisely. Take breaks and break out of your ticking timetable. Go on those impulsive trips, take a few risks, laugh out loud at silly jokes and enjoy idleness. 

3. Keep it simple

Whether it’s your to-do list or your relationships, keep things simple. Don’t make your to-do list exhaustingly long, and don’t make your friendship lists insanely big. Keep your circle small but close. Don’t take your relationships for granted and don’t sweat over the pending stuff. That’s the balance you could easily achieve!

4. Research your relationships

The people you have in your life are more crucial than the bank balance you have! Invest your time and heart in relationships that feel right. Having toxic people by your side makes no sense, even if you are bonded by blood. Choose your people smartly!

5. Even legacies don’t last

If you think that you are sacrificing your time to create a legacy, then, believe me, even legacies don’t last. People might remember you for the next 30 or 300 years, but what after 3000 or 30000? The universe is a vast space and nothing we do will ever be able to create a dent in it!

4000 weeks – Your Takeaway!

Reading this blog might have stirred a lot of those uncomfortable thoughts that you had bottled down. And if it has, then the purpose of this blog is well achieved. Because life begins beyond your comfort zone!

The concept of “4000 weeks of life” refers to the idea that the average human lifespan is around 80 years or approximately 4,000 weeks. This concept can be used as a reminder to make the most of our limited time on earth and prioritize daily activities in a way that aligns with our values and goals.

In terms of daily time management, this means taking a step back and evaluating how you spend your time each day, and making adjustments to prioritize the things that are most important to you. This could include spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, and working towards long-term goals and aspirations.

To put the “4000 weeks of life” concept into practice, consider the following tips:

1. Set priorities: Identify your top priorities and make sure you allocate enough time for these activities each day.
   
2. Create a daily routine: Plan out your daily schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This can help ensure that you’re making time for all of the things that are important to you.
   
3. Limit distractions: Set aside time each day to focus on a specific task without distractions, such as turning off your phone or finding a quiet workspace.
   
4. Use your time wisely: Try to maximize the impact of your time by doing the most important things first, and being mindful of how you spend your time on less important tasks.
   
5. Be flexible: Remember that life is unpredictable, so be flexible and willing to make adjustments to your schedule as needed.
   

By following these tips, you can make the most of your “4000 weeks of life” and ensure that you’re spending your time in a way that aligns with your values and goals.