The Power of 10 Minutes: A Conversation on Growth and Consistency
The time is going to go by anyway. That’s the truth that underpins so much of what we do—or don’t do—in life. It’s what I reminded my kids of during a conversation about the value of consistent effort. They’re teenagers now, and as teens, they’re beginning to have responsibilities and distractions—just like every adult. But this principle applies to all of us, no matter our stage of life, child or adult.
We talked about how easy it is to let opportunities slip by, even when the tools and resources are in front of us, and it’s something we want to do. We want to get better. We want to know how to do something. We want to be able to do yoga and handstands, to be a great piano player, to play guitar, or to read one book a month. The desire is there, yet we let the time slip away.
“Why not take 10 or 15 minutes each day to work on something?” I asked them. It could be piano practice, sit-ups, knife skills, or reading—anything that builds a skill or strengthens the mind.
The math speaks for itself:
10 minutes a day adds up to 5 hours a month.
Over the course of a year, that’s just over 60 hours.
Now imagine the difference between investing those 60 hours in something meaningful versus letting them slip by. What if you did that every year for five years? Ten years? The results compound into something significant—growth, mastery, and a sense of accomplishment.
The time is going to pass regardless. So why not choose to use it intentionally?
I shared this principle with my kids, but it applies to me, too. There are skills I’ve wanted to develop but haven’t put in the consistent time for. Take handstands, for example. I’ve been saying for years that I want to learn how to do one, and yet, here I am at 44, still not able to. Why? Because I haven’t practiced. And if I’m honest, I know I have 10 minutes in my day to work on it.
But here’s the thing: It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about frustration. It’s about recognizing the small opportunities we have each day to grow and deciding to take them. It’s about making that choice, even when it feels easier not to.
So, whether it’s piano, push-ups, or something else entirely, ask yourself:
What’s the benefit of investing just 10 minutes a day?
What’s the cost of not doing it?
The time is going to go by anyway. Let’s make it count. You deserve it. You’re worthy of the growth, the effort, and the fulfillment of becoming your best self.
