Time: The Currency of Life
By Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP
Try to imagine a list of topics that you could introduce into almost any conversation that would be free of controversy. Top on that list would have to be the value of life, the wonder of the gift of life, the exhilaration of saving a life, or helping truly transform someone's life.
Parents, whether biologic or adoptive, have experienced firsthand the joy of giving life, physicians and the entire healthcare team have felt the exhilaration of saving someone's life or making an early diagnosis that adds years to a person's life, philanthropists have seen the "new lives" they helped create through scholarships and donations. All of these profound achievements are wonderful examples of giving life, yet each and every one of us has the opportunity to give the gift of life every day.
Having had the never easy task of telling a patient or loved one that there is nothing more that can be done medically to help them, the inevitable questions are: "How much time do I have? Isn't there something that can give me a little more time with my family or loved ones?" This clearly illustrates that Time and Life have an undeniable connection.
We each have a finite amount of time on this earth, in our monthly schedules and our daily schedules - our time defines our life. Each day we make choices about who we are giving our time or life to family, career, coworkers, school, friends, hobbies, community, etc. Recognize that when you give your time to anything you are giving a part of your life - you are gifting life!
Reflect on that interruption at your office door; you invite your staff member to sit down and express what's on their mind. You give them the time to listen and most likely you will have to give more of your time to actually help them after they've left your office. You have actually given them a piece of your life - a gift.
It's easy to see examples of this throughout your own personal life: from the quick question to the explanation that you've provided five different ways, they all have a tremendous impact on that other person's life. Sit back and smile contently about all the times you are sharing the most precious gift of life through its currency, time.
Now that you've got half the secret to the currency of life formula down, you must also remember the corollary. When you interrupt someone and request their help or favor, small or large, you are taking time from them, taking some life from them - to enhance your own. Be sure to remember to express your gratitude in words and deeds.
Keep sharing the gift of life through your time and be grateful to those that share it with you – it's sure to make you a better person and a better leader!