“I live by a little maxim: Don’t accumulate possessions; accumulate experiences. . . . One way I put this into practice is by doing an annual challenge or going on an annual adventure. Calendaring is choice architecture, is it not? It’s one way we imagine unborn tomorrows.”- Mark Batterson
“When your life is over, the world will ask you only one question: ‘Did you do what you were supposed to do?’ “- Konrad Ziolkowski
On Day 25 (“Do the Math”) of Do It for a Day, Mark Batterson tells about Konrad Ziolkowski’s commission to design a mountain carving honoring the famous Native American leader Crazy Horse. Ziolkowski devoted more than three decades to carving the statue – nine times larger than the faces on Mount Rushmore. Upon Konrad’s death in 1982, his family carried on his vision. The projected completion date – 2050!
Hence, Pastor Batterson applies this account to us:
“If you pursue habit formation for selfish reasons, you’re shortchanging yourself and the habit will be short-lived. You have to imagine the prize by aiming at the endgame. You have to know who you are and why you are. . . . live for something bigger and stronger and better and longer than self-interest.”
In addition, Mark asserts, two types of people exist in the world. Those who:
- let things happen and those who make things happen
- find time and those who make time
- waste time and those who wind the clock
Therefore, part of time management consists of identifying time wasters. Because, like barren fig trees, they produce no fruit. Above all, Pastor Batterson states, all of us trade our time for something. Consequently, we need to do more than simply figure out the barren fig trees. We must identify the money trees. And Mark defines money trees as the things that produce the greatest return on our investment.
Finally, although we all manage time a bit differently, those who actually get things done demonstrate intentionality. They don’t spend time. Rather, they invest time.
Today’s question: Why is it crucial to accumulate experiences instead of possessions? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Moving backward, counting down – God”
