Do you believe that money gives you control over time? If so, you might be falling for a common financial myth that can lead to frustration and unhappiness. In this blog post, I’ll explain why this myth is so pervasive and how you can break free from it.

Money and time are two of the most precious resources we have. We often think that if we had more money, we would have more time to do the things we love, or at least avoid the things we hate. We dream of achieving financial independence, where we can live on our own terms and enjoy the freedom of time.

But is this really true? Does money really give us control over time?

The answer is no. Money can’t buy time, nor can it stop time from passing. No matter how rich or poor we are, we all have the same 24 hours in a day, and the same finite lifespan. We can’t control time, we can only use it wisely or waste it foolishly.

The myth of money and time is a dangerous one, because it can make us chase unattainable goals and miss out on the meaningful moments of life. It can make us feel dissatisfied with what we have, and always crave more. It can make us forget that time is not a commodity, but a gift.

How can we escape this trap and live a more fulfilling life? Here are some tips to help you:

• Accept the reality of time. Time is not something you can manage, save, or control. It’s something you can experience, appreciate, and share. Don’t try to fight against time, but work with it. Recognize the limits and possibilities of your time, and make the best of it.
• Define your purpose. Money is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. What is the end goal of your money? What do you want to achieve, create, or contribute with your money? How do you want to use your money to serve your values, passions, and talents? Write down your purpose and use it as a guide for your financial decisions.
• Live on kairos time. The ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos is the linear, sequential, measurable time that we use for scheduling and planning. Kairos is the qualitative, opportune, meaningful time that we use for living and enjoying. Chronos is about quantity, kairos is about quality. Chronos is about doing, kairos is about being. Chronos is about tasks, kairos is about moments. Live more on kairos time, and less on chronos time. Focus on the quality of your time, not the quantity. Seize the opportunities that present themselves, and immerse yourself in the essence of each moment.
• Stop moving the goalposts. One of the reasons why money and time seem never enough is because we keep raising our expectations and standards. We think that once we reach a certain level of income, wealth, or freedom, we will be happy. But when we get there, we want more. We compare ourselves to others who have more, and feel inadequate. We forget to appreciate what we have, and take it for granted. Stop moving the goalposts, and start celebrating your achievements. Be grateful for what you have, and enjoy it. Don’t let your happiness depend on a future that may never come, but on a present that is here and now.

Money and time are not enemies, but allies. They can work together to help you live a rich and meaningful life. But you have to use them wisely, and not let them use you. Don’t fall for the big financial myth that keeps you chasing more. Instead, embrace the reality of time, define your purpose, live on kairos time, and stop moving the goalposts. There is time now, and there is enough. Make the most of it.