When I sold the Fox Theater in 2017, my life didn’t change much initially. However, when I negotiated with its buyer to get out from under the four year lease-back I agreed to when I first sold it, I made the most significant purchase of my life. I bought my time freedom on December 31, 2019.
My timing could not have been better, as Covid struck three months later forcing the live event theater industry to shut down for 18 months. I would have had to continue paying rent to the new owner during that ugly time, giving him back a significant hard earned financial freedom we had just attained, after a lifetime of entrepreneurism to get there.
Most Entrepreneurs spend their whole careers trying to earn financial freedom, but when they finally get it, they realize that what they want more is time freedom without guilt.
What I am describing is the ability to wake up each day and truly be in control of your day. Not needing to answer to anyone (family being an exception!). To be able to make a call - to spend your day however you like. Work, or not work, on any project you desire. It is easy to slip back into old ways, but I’m hyperaware to not do so. This requires adhering to boundaries.
Here is one example. The only thing I get asked for more than money, is my time. But, in order to continue to have time freedom, I need to protect it, above all else.
So, I rarely allow myself to be scheduled into someone else’s busy calendar. This drives all Calendly users crazy. I’ve noticed that the lion’s share of high achievers I know, run their day like a military outfit - every minute is scheduled. I get it. That use to be me!
So, when they want, or need something from me, the first thing they need from me is to conform to their busy schedule and schedule myself in to their calendar. This is not of interest to me, because it would require me to give back my time freedom so they can make their ask. Now, I’m not a savage, unwilling to offer an alternative solution. I say instead, just call me when you’re free. I get the strangest looks when I say this. 😎 I actually like and appreciate random phone calls. Makes me feel thought of and appreciated. What I don’t like is being given a Calendly link. Huge turnoff!
This might sound funny to many, but I’ve had time freedom for just over four years now, and I’m never giving it back. It gives me peace and joy, something Entrepreneurs will learn the hard way (like I had to), that they spent their entire careers sacrificing.
Protect your time, it’s one of the most valuable commodities you own!
Plus, now that I have a Hologram machine thanks to my friend Molly Lavik, I can be in Hawaii while I’m anywhere in the world! 😎
