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Makers vs. Managers
Where and How We Spend Our Time
I’ve been thinking a lot about time. Not in the macro, but in the micro — specifically, where and how we spend our time.
In a work context, we sometimes think about the amount of time that is spent in meetings — or rather unproductive meetings. We might talk about how much meetings cost, all those people, all that time, and ask if it’s worth it.
If you work freelance or are paid by the hour, it’s likely you’re very aware of your time, as you only get paid for the time you’re able to bill.
In the context of home, we might ask ourselves, are we spending our time in a way that aligns with our values? If we value our family over all else, are we giving them time and attention that shows them that we value them in that way?
We may also say things like “I don’t have time” or “I don’t have enough time”. And we all often say we aspire to do things, but then we don’t follow through. What do we like to blame? Time.
Paul Graham wrote about time in his 2009 post “Makers Schedule, Managers Schedule”. (yes, 2009) In this famous post, Paul writes about the difference between how a “maker” uses their time and how a “manager” uses their time:
- A manager’s schedule…
