I’ve long believed that time management is one of the most critical skills we can develop. And over the years, I’ve often said: “I won’t judge how you spend your time if you don’t judge how I invest mine.”

Did you catch that?

There’s a profound difference between spending time and investing it. When we spend time, it often feels like there’s little to show for it. Think about those moments when you force yourself to take a break, but never truly relax. Your mind spins with everything you’re not doing, and instead of feeling rested, you emerge anxious and overwhelmed.

But when you invest time, the return feels different. Even during rest, there’s value, renewed energy, sharper clarity, or fresh ideas that set you up for future wins.

With spending, you get temporary relief. With investing, you gain momentum and growth.

How I Approach Time

I’m both creative and methodical. I keep running lists across every area of my life, my work at the bank, personal ventures, board service, writing, and content creation. Every day, I revisit and update these lists. This isn’t just a productivity hack; it keeps me aligned with the goals that drive me.

I view my work at the bank as my foundation. It’s how I eat, thrive, and something I’m deeply passionate about. But beyond that, I pursue board service, business projects, and personal growth opportunities that stretch my thinking and expand my network.

I stay intentional about aligning my interests. I look for ways to sit at the intersection of pursuits, pulling insights from one area and applying them to another. That’s where I find the most value.

Sitting at the Intersection

For example, one of my goals is to increase board diversity. This goal informs my roles across various boards, including:

• Chair of the Board at Midwest BankCentre
• Advisory board member for a construction company
• Board member of a publicly traded company
• Commissioner with the Federal Reserve or National Academy of Medicine
• Servant and partner to human service and education organizations

The more I learn, the better I lead. And while I gain insight, I share those lessons across social media, my blog, and conversations.

In essence, everything feeds into everything else.

This is what I mean by “sitting at the intersection.” I intentionally position myself to extract the most juice from every squeeze.

How I Structure My 24 Hours (Work to Personal Growth Ratio)

We all get the same 24 hours. The difference is how we use them.

Here’s a breakdown of how I manage my time:

• Sleep: 4 to 6 hours a day
• Work: 12 to 16 hours, depending on the day
• Downtime: Intentional but rarely idle, I’m reading, writing, creating, or spending meaningful time with others

Even during downtime, I ask myself: Is this an investment in my well-being, relationships, or growth?

On vacations, I follow an 80/20 rule:

• 80% personal business projects
•  20% bank work

During the work week, that ratio flips (remember, I work every day 12-16 hours a day—this is what makes me tick and may be different for you):

• 80% bank work
   
• 20% personal growth and projects

Weekends, however, are focused heavily on personal projects, strategic thinking, and recharging—allowing space for reflection and planning for the week ahead.

The Real Cost of Time Mismanagement

Most people sleep 8 to 10 hours, work another 8, and fill the rest with TV, socializing, or hobbies. And that’s fine—everyone’s priorities are different.

But for me, time is an asset. I’m not willing to squander it. I balance meaningful work, family, and personal growth.

If I’m not working, I’m learning.
If I’m not learning, I’m building.
If I’m not building, I’m reflecting and preparing.

It’s all intentional.

Final Thoughts

I call this “life at the intersection.” And I believe anyone can embrace it, regardless of career or goals.

Ask yourself:

• Are you spending time or investing it?
• Where can you find intersections between your work and passions?
• What areas of life could benefit from greater intentionality?

The goal isn’t to stay busy, it’s to align, optimize, and thrive.

So, the next time you think about your 24 hours, ask:
“Am I getting the most juice from the squeeze?”

Because in the end, how you invest your time determines the life you build.