How Will You Invest Your Time?
Making the Most of Your “Dash”
Time is our most precious resource—yet so many of us spend it without truly considering its value. Recent CDC data shows the average U.S. life expectancy is now 76 years. When you break it down, the way we allocate our time can be eye-opening:
28.3 years sleeping (37% of life)
10.5 years working (post-pandemic hybrid work has slightly reduced this)
9 years watching TV/scrolling social media (up 0.5 years since 2020)
6 years doing chores (including 1.2 years just on laundry)
4 years eating and drinking
3.5 years in education (lifelong learning is increasing this)
2.5 years grooming (showering, hair, skincare)
1.5 years shopping (e-commerce has reduced this slightly)
1.3 years commuting (down from 1.8 pre-pandemic)
The Question Isn’t “How Will You Spend It?” But “How Will You Invest It?”
The word “spending” implies something fleeting—like money leaving your wallet. But when we talk about investing time, we shift our mindset toward intentionality. Every minute is an opportunity to grow, connect, or create something meaningful.
A few years ago, I began refining my Life Plan—a living document that keeps us focused on what matters most. It includes:
- Your purpose statement
- Your personal code of honor (8-10 guiding principles I live by)
- Your “Big 5” core values
- A vision statement with goals across seven key areas:
- Family & relationships
- Career & work
- Health & fitness
- Financial stewardship
- Personal growth
- Spiritual peace
- Fun & joy
Every summer, I revisit this plan during my “Vision Months” (July and August). I adjust, reflect, and realign—because life isn’t static, and neither should our plans be.
Life Is a Vapor—What Will You Do with Your Dash?
My late mentor, Herman Cain taught me one of the greatest lessons in life and leadership that I carry with me until this day.
That “dash” represents your legacy. Will it be filled with distraction or deliberate action? With busyness or purpose?
The Challenge: Audit Your Time
Take an honest look at how you’re investing your days.
Are your habits aligning with your values?
Are you pouring into relationships that matter?
Are you growing—or just going through the motions?
Here’s to living with purpose and intention!
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
