The ART of buying back time: A lesson in prioritization
As a performance physical therapist and business owner, I was motivated to make the jump and start Peak because I value my time differently than the standard… Time with my patients, time with my family and ultimately my decision to venture into a cash-based PT business was a strategic move to reclaim control over my ability to best care for my patients and better use the most precious resource we all have: time. In a world dictated by traditional structures and insurance protocols, I chose autonomy and recognize that true joy lies in the ability to choose what is best for my patients, my family, and me.
The concept of “buying back time” is often associated with financial transactions – paying someone else to handle tasks that consume your precious hours. It’s the mechanic changing your oil or the door dash driver bringing dinner to your doorstep. However, there’s another way to “buy back your time”: learning to say no.
Saying no isn’t just about declining invitations, or opportunities; it’s a deliberate act of prioritization. It’s about recognizing that every yes comes with a cost – a cost measured not just in dollars but in the finite currency of time. Passing on a promotion can afford you dividends in more moments with your family, while declining a dinner invite could carve out the time you need to prioritize your physical well-being through exercise.
In my journey as a performance physical therapist and business owner, I have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. By understanding precisely how I want to spend my days- whether it’s providing personalized care to my clients, investing in my own well-being or nurturing relationships outside of work, I’ve empowered myself to say no to anything that doesn’t align with my priorities.
In a society that often glorifies busyness and equates it with productivity, this approach serves as a refreshing reminder that true fulfillment stems from intentional living. It’s about recognizing that time is a finite resource and using it in a way that aligns with your values and goals. For us at Peak Performance this is a key value – YOUR time is valuable. We don’t believe you should have to schedule multiple appointments a week where you are doing exercises and tasks alone while a PT floats between 3 or 4 different patients at a time. Spending 45 minutes 2-3 days a week doing the same, simple easy exercises (that could be done at home!) while a PT types up their notes in the computer is NOT a reflection of spending your time wisely. WE VALUE your time. When you have a session at Peak Performance you spend an hour dedicated one-on-one with your PT. Exercises and things that can be done on your own schedule and time are provided but we want you to incorporate them into your daily life.
I will leave you with this, as you consider and continue to navigate the complexities of “buying back your time” remember this: every yes is a commitment, but every no is a reclaiming of your time. The more clarity you have about what you invest your time in, the easier it becomes to discern between opportunities that enrich your life and those that merely deplete your most valuable resource. So, here’s to saying no with purpose, to prioritizing what truly matters, and to the empowering realization that time, when used wisely, can be the greatest currency of all!
