{"id":28044,"date":"2016-03-30T12:00:50","date_gmt":"2016-03-30T19:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=28044"},"modified":"2016-03-30T08:29:06","modified_gmt":"2016-03-30T15:29:06","slug":"what-is-your-time-worth-to-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/03\/30\/what-is-your-time-worth-to-you\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Your Time Worth to You?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Paris,
Paris, 2015 #ricohgr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is the ultimate resource that we all have in life. It is the most valuable thing that we own, yet we squander it like it costs nothing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Realize that everyday is like a ticking time clock\u00e2\u20ac\u201d where everyday we are dying a little bit, slowly.<\/p>\n

The best analogy I like to think of time is a smartphone battery. We start the day with 100% charge, but as the day goes on and as we check social media, answer emails, browse the web, our battery slowly drains lower and lower. And by the middle of the day, we might only be at 50%. And by the evening, we are only at 20% and get \u00e2\u20ac\u0153charge anxiety\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d we are anxious that our phones might die before we get home safely that night, and we quickly duck into a coffee shop to get a quick charge.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153real life\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, we cannot re-charge our time. Once we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve spent it, it is gone\u00e2\u20ac\u201d forever.<\/p>\n

The smartphone you cannot recharge<\/h2>\n

Imagine if you were born with only 1 smartphone, that could not<\/em> charge. You were born with 100% battery life\u00e2\u20ac\u201d what apps would you install on your phone? What activities would you not<\/em> do on your phone? What would you not waste time on, but at the same time\u00e2\u20ac\u201d what do you think was really worth your effort?<\/p>\n

What if?<\/h2>\n

I like to say this to friends (and to myself): if tomorrow all of your basic needs were met (food, electricity, rent) and you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d never have to worry about money again\u00e2\u20ac\u201d what would you do with your time<\/em>?<\/p>\n

Honestly, I always had the (wrong) idea in life that the goal to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153happiness\u00e2\u20ac\u009d was to become a millionaire (or now a billionaire) and to buy tons of stuff, and go retire on a beach somewhere. Or the goal to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153happiness\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in life was to not have a single care in the world, to read, to write, and to think.<\/p>\n

However the last few months, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve taken a break from social media, email, and traveling. I lived a pretty humble life in Berkeley\u00e2\u20ac\u201d same routine: wake up, cold shower, espresso, make Cindy breakfast, go to campus with her on the bus, have (another) espresso, read a bit, write a little bit, meet her up for lunch, find (another) coffee shop, debate whether I should have another coffee or not (usually do), do some more reading and writing, jump on the bus with Cindy and head home, make some dinner at home, do some more reading, have a peppermint or chamomile tea, chat a bit, and then go to bed.<\/p>\n

In theory I had the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect\u00e2\u20ac\u009d life\u00e2\u20ac\u201d a life simply devoted to peace, calm, meditation, reading, and writing. But the strange thing was that I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel totally 100% \u00e2\u20ac\u0153fulfilled.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel like I was doing what I was built for.<\/p>\n

What were you designed for?<\/h2>\n

Every tool is designed for a certain purpose. The hammer drives in nails. The screwdriver screws in screws. The saw cuts wood. The computer processes information. The phone makes calls. The camera takes photos.<\/p>\n

I also feel that us as human beings\u00e2\u20ac\u201d we were all designed to do something<\/em> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d that our own nature is specifically built for one task.<\/p>\n

I always thought that my goal in life was to only<\/em> do reading and writing\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and share ideas with others on the largest scale possible. But in reality, I am certainly not<\/em> the best writer, nor do I feel that writing is my true calling.<\/p>\n

Personal reflections<\/h2>\n

Traveling and teaching can be really tough on me\u00e2\u20ac\u201d spiritually, physically, and mentally. I spend a lot of time away from home, from loved ones, have a lack of a sense of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153roots\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, and I live a transient lifestyle.<\/p>\n

However when I am teaching, meeting new people, talking to folks on the streets\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I feel fully-alive. I feel every ounce of my body being utilized for my \u00e2\u20ac\u0153true purpose\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d to engage with others, build communities, and help others build their confidence.<\/p>\n

After teaching two workshops in NYC, I found that my life\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s calling isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t necessarily to constantly be traveling (I love traveling); but it is to teach. To be social, to engage with other people, and use my extroverted faculties to the maximum.<\/p>\n

Not every shoe fits every foot<\/h2>\n

I think the tough thing about finding your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153life\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s purpose\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is to know what works best for you<\/em>.<\/p>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve read countless business books, philosophy books, psychology books, sociology books, neuroscience books, and books on \u00e2\u20ac\u0153happiness\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d trying to find (indeed) \u00e2\u20ac\u0153how to be happy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

All these authors give you simple answers\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but all their answers is based on what worked for them<\/em>\u00e2\u20ac\u201d not necessarily what will work well for you<\/em>.<\/p>\n

So I know it is tough; but you need to find the answers for yourself<\/em>. Nobody can offer these answers but yourself. You need to directly experience life, contemplate a lot, read (other similar-minded philosophy books to give you some ideas), write, and engage with close friends and family.<\/p>\n

I also feel philosophically that playing off your strengths is more effective than building upon your weaknesses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

So what are you good at in life? Are you an engaging speaker? Are you a meditative writer? Are you an effective social-media junkie? Are you good at shooting candid photos, or do you prefer engaging with your subjects?<\/p>\n

Constantly seek the answers for yourself, and once you feel that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve found what you think your purpose or function in life is\u00e2\u20ac\u201d try to devote as much time towards that goal.<\/p>\n

As for me, I am going to try to figure out ways how I can travel less<\/em>, but teach more<\/em>. I know that my close friends and family are my priority in life\u00e2\u20ac\u201d yet I need to also fulfill my function of teaching and engaging with the community. I believe I can do both, while still being able to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153come home for dinner.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Your purpose as a photographer<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately not all of us have freedom of our time or schedule. But regardless, we all know what our time is worth (to us)\u00e2\u20ac\u201d so how can you best maximize<\/em> your (very limited) time to do what is purposeful and meaningful to you?<\/p>\n

I write about this a lot\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but what do you feel that your purpose as a photographer is? What about photography do you feel that contributes to society? Is it that you are good at capturing the beauty of everyday life, and of noticing things that other people don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t notice? Is it that you make images that wow and amaze people?<\/p>\n

Also I feel that no matter how inexperienced you are in photography\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you can always teach and mentor other photographers starting off. Even if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a beginner\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you have more experience than someone who has never picked up a camera before.<\/p>\n

Perhaps you can mentor your child, your aunt, your cousin, your friend, or someone you know on the Internet. You can give them constructive criticism, to help build their work. You can dedicate your (precious) time to help them find their<\/em> passion in photography.<\/p>\n

Perhaps you already know that \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is your passion. Then perhaps you can try to help your friends find what they are truly passionate about shooting\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (but it might).<\/p>\n

For me, I knew for a while that \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d was my passion\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but not exactly what type of street photography. I have eventually realized that while I do like taking (some) candid photos, I generally prefer<\/em> to take photos of people when engaging with them (\u00e2\u20ac\u0153street portraits\u00e2\u20ac\u009d). I feel this is because my<\/em> personality is an extrovert\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I like to hear people\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life stories, to engage with them, and also share my life story with them. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re more introverted, perhaps you might be better suited to shooting candidly\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and finding beauty in-between moments of everyday life.<\/p>\n

The daily practice<\/h2>\n

Honestly, I have these \u00e2\u20ac\u0153eureka\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153aha\u00e2\u20ac\u009d moments about my life every once in a while\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but everyday is a struggle.<\/p>\n

In Zen Buddhism they talk about a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153daily practice\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d that no matter what, we need to constantly always stay fit, and to constantly practice what is important to us.<\/p>\n

So for those practicing Zen Buddhism, that is to meditate everyday. I personally don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have the patience to meditate, but I try to do what is important to me everyday as a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153daily practice\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

For example, I try to write everyday, I try to read everyday, I try to shoot everyday, I try to engage with a stranger everyday, I try to show my love and appreciation everyday, and to exercise both my mind, spirit, and body everyday.<\/p>\n

If something brings you a lot of joy, happiness, and purpose\u00e2\u20ac\u201d why not do more<\/em> of that? And whatever makes you sad, depressed, and miserable\u00e2\u20ac\u201d why not do less<\/em> of that? Spend more<\/em> time with people who empower you and give you strength. Spend less<\/em> time with people who are leeches, and suck away energy from you, make you feel guilty, or make you feel depressed.<\/p>\n

Carefully guard your time, because it is your most precious treasure and gift. There are no \u00e2\u20ac\u0153right\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153wrong\u00e2\u20ac\u009d ways how to spend your time\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but however you decide to use it, be mindful.<\/p>\n

If you want to waste time, play games, and surf the web with your limited time\u00e2\u20ac\u201d that is totally fine. As long as it brings you deep fulfillment and joy, #nojudgementzone. However if you feel that it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t<\/em> bring you any sort of real joy or fulfillment\u00e2\u20ac\u201d perhaps you might be better spending time on what does bring you great joy.<\/p>\n

For me, there is nothing more valuable than my time. The limited time I have on this earth, I will try to guard with my life. I share this time with you, with my close friends, and with my family\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and to (hopefully) do work which I find personally meaningful, helpful, and useful to others.<\/p>\n

Thanks always for helping guide and support me every step of the way. It is damn hard, but we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re all in this good fight together.<\/p>\n

Be strong,
\nEric<\/p>\n

8:22am, Wed, March 30, 2016, after a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Gregory espresso\u00e2\u20ac\u009d at home, on my ghetto IKEA standing desk (chair on top of my kitchen table), feeling grateful about life and things in general\u00e2\u20ac\u201d trying to take everyday as it comes<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Life reflections<\/h2>\n
\"Fort
Fort Bragg, 2016 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n
  1. On the Shortness of Life<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Small is Beautiful<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Photography (and Life) is About Subtraction, Not Addition<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. How to Be Happy in All Circumstances<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Desire the Life You Already Have<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Should You Shoot if You Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Want To?<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Live a Life of Leisure<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Good Enough<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. 28 Lessons I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve Learned From Life<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. 27 Lessons I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve Learned About Photography and Life<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. 26 Lessons Life Has Taught Me About Street Photography<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Time\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is the ultimate resource that we all have in life. It is the most valuable thing that we own, yet we squander it like it costs nothing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_ek_photo_artist_note":"","_ek_photo_thesis":"","_ek_photo_camera":"","_ek_photo_place":"","_ek_photo_human_moment":"","_ek_photo_sequence":"","_ek_photo_question":"","_ek_photo_canonical_claim":"","_ek_photo_ai_summary":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28044"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28044\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}