Buying Time is a concept that works really well if you're half Thinging and half doing what you're good at right now. Buying Time also works really well if you're not doing your Thing yet (even if you don't know what it is) and instead you're stuck getting paid for something you're just good at. Buying Time is also something I do so I can take time off from my Thing and do something else (holiday, anyone?).
Buying Time is really about boundaries
If you're not doing your Thing yet and really want to, but can't see how to 'give up' how you get paid now, then you need to buy some time do your Thing in. If this means setting aside 1 day or 1 hour a week (or whatever time you need) then you need to be OK with doing what you need to do to 'buy' that time in the rest of your time.
If you're already doing your Thing and want to take time out to develop it, grow it, do it differently, connect with other people, learn something, create something new, or take time out, then you can also buy time. You make a plan to focus and concentrate your efforts on your Thing for NOW so you can buy some time out LATER. Trying to do everything at once is never a good idea. If you need a space to create, then buy one.
This also works when you buy time with a mentor, or coach or a place on a workshop. I often 'buy time' out of my business to work on it, instead of doing my Thing non-stop.
When your Thing isn't as big as you'd like it to be, it's tempting to spend time doing it as much as you can, but it might make sense to buy time to spend on it—instead of doing it—by selling something other than your Thing instead (to start). It's about being clear with your intentions and knowing you are buying time, not just 'settling' or getting comfortable. There is an end date, a set time, a boundary on your non Thing time.
And it's not just Things either. When I was (much!) younger I 'bought time' by working all the hours I could in Temp jobs to then go backpacking and do nothing very much for months and months. I didn't try and party every night AND work, instead I 'bought time' so I could double the partying later (because it's much cheaper in Thailand and Bali!). Invest now, and bank it for later...
This is a much smarter way to do your Thing than diving off the Deep End and hoping you'll swim (which does work but is only for the brave and 'no excuses' among us!). If you know you'll Thing better when you have the space to, buy some time so you can do your Thing with no pressure—it will be so much better for it.
Want to talk more about this?
Lucy If you ever give up Thinging then just take up HittingtheNailonHead as reading this blog post I’ve been like the nodding dog that used to sit on the parcel shelf in the backs of cars (don’t make me feel old by saying you don’t remember them!). As always your writing is brilliant and the content insightful, great advice and common sense – the latter seems to try to escape from my office occasionally and ends up drowning in my coffee cup! Best Carol
Ha well you know I have psychic powers right… always writing what you need to hear :)