9. Differentiated experiences are memorable. Have your traditions, enjoy your favorite restaurants and pasttimes, but every once in a while shake it up. The opportunities are endless, just do something that you rarely or never do, be it professional or personal, and that experience will stand out.
10. There are 24 hours in a day. My uncle, Jimmy, gave me a memorable speech before I started college and I think it’s still relevant. It went something like this: “Sean, let’s say you sleep seven hours or so, well, you still have 17 hours left of your day. Add three hours for class, maybe four hours for studying (and that is being generous,) one-and-a-half hours for working out, one-and-a-half hours for eating — and you still have seven hours every day to do whatever you want! You could nap, go to a party, watch a movie or do all three. There is a lot of time when you start to break it down.” This speech really did change the way I approach life and time, both in college and even today. Yes, my priorities are different but the truth is still there: if you make the most of your days, you really can do a lot.
11. Naps have a place. It may seem to contradict 8, but naps can be useful for two reasons. 1.) They can energize you, which helps you get more out of each moment. 2.) It’s a differentiation point in the day. It’s no longer Sunday, it’s pre or post nap on Sunday. A good nap can feel like a whole night’s sleep, in effect tricking your mind into thinking you actually got two days for the price of one.
12. Challenges are meaningful. It’s easy to get complacent when things are going well. Time goes faster when you are complacent, so challenge yourself to learn something new or be a better x (parent, friend, son, husband, employee. We all know there is room for improvement and the reward for achievement is not only fulfillment, it’s another avenue towards differentiated life experience and making time more meaningful.
