In Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman questions the idea that freedom means having complete control over our time.
He points out that many of the things that make life worthwhile require us to share our time with other people and coordinate our lives with theirs.
That suggests true freedom isn’t having an empty calendar. It’s choosing who we’re willing to give our time to.
Think of a friend we can always count on, a volunteer who keeps showing up for others, or a leader who accepts responsibility for other people. These commitments limit their freedom in one sense, but also create depth, trust, and belonging.
Choosing who we’ll give our time to is only the beginning. The attention we give them is what makes that time meaningful.
Being present. Making time. Listening well. Giving someone our full attention. These are the ways we turn a commitment into something lived rather than merely chosen.
Commitment gives others a claim on our freedom. Attention is how we honor it.
Photo by Troy Spoelma on Unsplash – I gotchu, bro.
Grandpa Bob Encouraging Leadership 