Waste of Time? Never

How many times have you heard, “That was a complete waste of time?” Or something to that affect? How about have you said it? I used to say it from time to time. I guess I was young and not really used to reflecting back on the overall experience. Nothing is ever a complete waste of time… You may not get the results that you wanted or desired, but you did not waste your time. I have been doing some volunteer work since my retirement and overall I have had a very enlightening experience. There are times that I get an assignment and get it done quickly to sit around and wait for others. May seem like a waste of time, but it really isn’t.

When I look back and really reflect on each situation I find that I there is no wasted time… because:

• Of the people met: It is amazing the people that you meet along anything that you do. I truly enjoy meeting new people. They offer new experiences and life lessons to share with you. They give you the opportunity to grow as an individual.
• Of the skills used: Those skills maybe something new or something that you have not used in a very long time. I think every situation offers the opportunity to learn or try something new. Even those that situations you have been in many times before. We should be life-long learners -Try something different! You just never know, the new way maybe better.
• Of the time you get to spend working the mind: Nothing like working those brain cells. Especially afterwards, taking the time to reflect back on what went well and what could have been better. Rather than saying that was a complete waste of time.
• Of the stuff you observe: If your eyes are open, you should be able to see. I am a people watcher and when I am just sitting around waiting anywhere, I am watching, learning and having fun.

So, when you want to say or hear someone say, “that was a complete waste of time.” Ask, “why?” Then move onto what really was learned by the experience.