Manage Your Resources

Usually from a financial perspective when we talk about resources, we talk about money. But it is important to realize it is not just about money. Resources refer to everything we have and how we manage them points to what we value or not. The key is to choose how we are going to manage those resources, put them into the things that matter to us, and not have them used up by things that do not matter.

1) Time: This is your most important resource and the one that unfortunately is so easily wasted as many things are vying for your time. If you have kids 75% of your time with them will be gone by age 12. Make the most of your time with them, choose to spend time with them over your phone, your job, or anything else.

2) Money: Managing your money properly, keeps you in control, sets you up for future expenses, and gives you freedom. If you invest just $1 a day from the time you are 10, assuming 10% Return, you will have over $500,000 saved by the time you are 60.  Control your money, spend it on the things that are important now, and plan for your future. As the quote goes, if you waste it you are only out of money, but the consequences could be great later on if you are too frivolous with it.

3) Effort: One could easily say that this correlates to time, but I would argue you can spend time and not exert much effort.  Put in the hard work when it is necessary, do not shy away from it. It will pay dividends in your home, your career, and your life. Spend your effort on the important things, do not spend all your energy on something that does not matter. Your effort is a resource just like your time and money.

How do you know you are spending your resources in the right way? Just ask a few simple questions.

• Is this aligned with who I am?

• Is this helping me to get where I want to go?

• Does this give me enjoyment or sacrifice enjoyment?

• Am I doing this because I want to or because someone else is requesting/requiring me to?

There are probably a few other questions you could ask yourself, but these are a good start to helping you figure out the best way to spend YOUR resources.