Have you ever felt something you did was a waste of time? Of course you have! We all have.

Have you ever asked yourself why you felt it was a waste of time? In other words, what makes some activities time-wasters and other activities a good use of time? This is a very hard question to answer. Let’s consider some possible causes that make activities time-wasters:

1. Tediousness. Slow, monotonous busywork is generally less than enjoyable. However, there are definitely tedious activities I do that, though perhaps unpleasant while doing them, I feel are very worthwhile and necessary, such as cleaning bathrooms or doing homework.
2. Discomfort. Some activities and work cause pain or physical irritation, from repetitive stress syndrome when typing on my blog and playing musical instruments to a sore back when removing the leaves on the pool cover. Again, though, I tend to view these tasks as productive, despite some of the aches and pains they might cause.
3. Awkwardness. Not fitting in at social events and feeling uncomfortable in certain environments can seem like a poor use of time. However, the only way to develop ourselves oftentimes is to venture into what initially can be awkward encounters and situations, though over time these can become comfortable and even commonplace.
4. Superfluity. Some thing are not necessary for our existence and may seem like unnecessary luxuries. This could include music, sports, games, and various forms of entertainment. However, is the essence of life just about survival? The ability to be creative and not just follow animal survival instincts is what makes us human.
5. Amusement. Not using our minds, but crowding them out with distractions such as videos, iPods, and cell phones, could definitely be construed as a less than ideal use of time. However, consider the power these tools possess to share knowledge and build relationships.
6. Nothingness. Meditation, sleep, and other forms of inactivity can seem like ultimate time wasters and something to be limited as much as possible. However, if not for the intrinsic benefits they can bring, such as inner peace and a connection to the universe, they definitely indirectly affect the quality of our time and productivity of other activities.
7. Triviality. Babysitting kids, cleaning the house, and mowing the lawn are all mundane activities. However, unless you plan on employing several personal slaves, you will have your fair share of necessary inglorious tasks.

None of these categories seem to work in describing what we deem ‘wasting time.’ So let me suggest something different. Instead of trying to objectively categorize activities as being productive or being a waste of time, I propose we view this subjectively. For me, anything that aligns with my paradigm of Living in Appointed Times by Faith is profitable, and anything that does not align, however objectively viewed to be good, is in reality a waste of time.

Thus, when I am actively following my preset paradigm of what to do, say, and think during scientific appointed times, I am using my time to the fullest. During the philosophical appointed times, it is impossible to waste time, since I am not living for anything. If you embrace this concept, you can leave the fear of wasting time behind and move into a more conscious existence.