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As a marketing consultant and ahem… entrepreneur, I have truly learned that time is money. Coming from a handsomely paid corporate job before going solo, I knew this intellectually. I traded my time for a regular pay cheque so I can pay my bills, live a good life and buy pretty things. When I decided to leave the high life and live creatively, my income also resembled the doodles of an artist – abstract and unfocused. You never know what squiggle of an income you’ll get the next day. However, there is a purpose to this lifestyle change, so I persevere.

My friend Tal Gur reminded me that time is a non-renewable resource which we must spend wisely. So recently, I wrote an inventory of my time.

How much time do I spend doing things:

1. that are essential to quality of life but does not generate an income like organising parties and holidays, cleaning the house (although this can therapeutic), etc.
2. that I hate to do but help me run my business like filing, bookkeeping, managing my diary, maintaining my blogs
3. that make me happy like cooking, writing, dancing and other creative pursuits
4. that help me generate income and create wealth like building knowledge and skills  so I can add greater value to my clients’ businesses, investing, acting on opportunities and making things happen

I have successfully redirected more time and energy towards creative living (point 3) but boy do I spend way too much time on points 1 and 2.

The solution? Outsource.

And last week, I hired a PA – actually a virtual assistant who will help me get organised at home and in the office (which is kind of the same in my case)  and turn my focus on activities that a) create wealth / generate income  and b) enrich the quality of my life.

What about you? If it were possible for you to outsource aspects of your life, what would it be and what would you do with the “extra” time?