Your 80-90 Minutes

There’s a small, embedded gift in Edmontonians' cultural ethos. We have a keen sense of the seasons, and I believe it guides many of us to appreciate the value of time. Because in reality, we don’t have much of it.

If years were like minutes, most of us, if we’re lucky, are given 80-90 minutes to live.

From this point of view, many of us will spend 40-50 minutes of our brief lives at work.  I carry this perspective to work, not only for myself but also for those who work with me. Some of my coworkers may only spend one hot minute of their lives and careers with me; I want that minute to have as much value as possible. When someone moves on, it’s always appropriate to thank them for their service, because they offered much more than hours punched in or completed tasks; they offered an irreplaceable part of their lives. They gave their time.

I’m grateful that in these last 20 minutes, I’ve been given the privilege to lead in various organizations. I’m aware that in 15-20 minutes, I’ll be asked to lead less…or maybe not at all. I’m sure at that point, I’ll feel a bit of sadness. But I know I’ll feel less sad if I’m making the most of my opportunities now. I’m cashing in my best ideas now. Not only for work, but for life.

It’s always wise to consider the value of time in our lives. It’s just as important to consider if you’re adding value to the people around you. I’m cashing in my best ideas now. Not only for work, but for life. Whatever challenge you’re navigating, in the grand scheme of things, it won’t last that long; you can do it.