Time, the ultimate measure of wealth

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” - Henry David Thoreau

Taking the quote in the context of my role working with clients to improve their business or organisation, it expresses very simply how one can measure if their consultant is providing insights of value.

The client looks through their own eyes, perhaps deeply analysing a situation within their business that has been of concern for some time. The consultant comes in with “outside eyes”, listening and learning from the client, but (one would hope) seeing things from their own perspective.

It is that perspective that has to add value.

Now, to reference Thoreau in more general terms.

Clearly he was a man of deep thought, and one who influenced many who came after, including Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. What is also clear, though, is that to facilitate his thinking, he simplified his life and made time and created an environment for himself where he could think.

I am sure the great majority of us wish we had more time to ourselves to pause, to read, to consider, to think.

Time.

Once one has sufficient means to live, it is time that becomes the ultimate measure of personal wealth.

Though it has to be constantly monitored and considered, I consider myself wealthy in that I must constantly ensure that I strike a balance between working for my clients…. and making sure I leave sufficient time…. time that I must ensure I use to pause, read, consider.. and think.

Without having that time, and using it wisely, when I look, would I see anything of value ? would any of us ?