Rowan Aderyn

New Year, New Focus: Redefining Richness in Life

The start of a new year always feels like the perfect opportunity to recalibrate, reflect, and realign our goals and values. Today, I had a thought-provoking conversation that truly set the tone for my 2025. The topic? What does being rich mean to you?

For some, being rich is about financial security—having a comfortable savings account or a diversified investment portfolio. For others, it’s about indulgence and the joy of acquiring material possessions, like building that dream shoe collection or owning the latest tech gadgets. There’s no right or wrong answer, but it got me thinking: while many of us dedicate significant time and energy to managing and investing our money, how often do we stop to think about how we’re managing and investing our time?

This year, I’m shifting my perspective to prioritise time as the most valuable resource in my life. Every moment we spend is an investment, and like any investment, it’s worth asking: Is this yielding value?

My Two Measures for 2025

To guide my decision-making, I’ve adopted two simple measures:

1. How much value does this time provide to others?
2. How much value does this time provide to me?

If an activity doesn’t satisfy at least one of these criteria, it’s out. This isn’t about being ruthless; it’s about being intentional. I want to invest my time in ways that either enrich my life or enhance the lives of those around me. Simple in theory, but as I’m learning, not always easy in practice.

The Easy Wins

Some decisions have been straightforward. For instance, cutting back on mindless social media scrolling was an obvious choice. While it can be entertaining, it often fails both measures: it doesn’t bring real value to me, nor does it benefit others in any meaningful way. On the flip side, spending one-on-one time with my kids is a no-brainer. Those moments are not only deeply fulfilling for me but also invaluable for them.

The Grey Areas

The real challenge lies in those grey areas—activities that have potential value but haven’t yet delivered. Perhaps it’s a project I’ve been pouring energy into without seeing meaningful progress, or a hobby that once brought joy but now feels like an obligation. For these, I’m asking myself tough questions: Is this truly worth my time? Am I persisting out of habit, guilt, or fear of giving up? If the value isn’t there—or if it’s clear I’ve been trying and failing to realise it—I’m giving myself permission to let go.

A Practical Takeaway

As we enter this new year, I encourage you to take a moment and evaluate your own time investments. Ask yourself:

• What activities truly enrich my life?
• Where am I spending time out of habit rather than intention?
• Are there areas where I’m holding on to potential rather than actual value?

By consciously aligning your time with what matters most, you’ll not only feel more fulfilled but also create a ripple effect of positivity and impact.

Let’s make 2025 a year of intentional living. Here’s to redefining richness—not just in terms of money, but in how we spend our most precious resource: time.