I heard an illustration a few years ago about time management and making the most of the time we have.  The speaker said that when you turn 50, place 1000 beans in a jar.  The 1000 beans represent one week each or about 20 years.  The speaker indicated that the 1000 beans would get a 50 year old to age 70.  Anything beyond that would just be considered a bonus.  If you are 40, you would place 1500 beans in the jar.  If you are 60, you would have only 500 beans in the jar (e.g., 50 beans per year).

Now, every Monday morning, remove and throw away one bean.  And, as you do, ask yourself these questions:

• Did I make the most of last week?
• Did I accomplish what I needed to accomplish for my team or my family?
• Did I make an impact on anyone’s life?
• What do I plan to do differently this week to impact those around me?

The mere act of physically removing the bean and throwing it away (not keeping it because that week is gone forever) makes us consider just how precious time is and that the window of opportunity is slowly closing.  Today, I only have 448 beans left in my jar – a pretty small pile, actually.  My objective is to make the most of each bean I have left.  How about you?

Have a fabulous day!