What’s a time billionaire?
Well, it’s a concept that really blew my mind. And ever since, it’s been my goal. We often think about wealth in terms of money, but time is an asset that’s even more valuable. While you can always make more money, you can’t make more time.
Many people don’t realize the difference between a million and a billion. To put this into perspective:
- A million seconds is around 11 days.
- Can you guess how many days is a billion seconds? It’s a little over 31 years.
31 years! Now that’s a massive difference, isn’t it?
If you asked Warren Buffett if he’d prefer another billion dollars or 31 more years, he’d almost certainly choose the time. Because time, not money, is the ultimate currency.
What Does It Mean to Be a Time Billionaire?
Imagine being able to live out the next 31 years of your life doing exactly what you want. Spending time with family, traveling the world, pursuing your passions—whatever it is that energizes you.
Most of us, unfortunately, are not Time Billionaires. We’re working to pay the bills, handling responsibilities, and often spending our most valuable resource—time—on things we don’t love. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a fortune to become a Time Billionaire.
How Much Do You Really Need for a Comfortable Life?
Most people overestimate how much wealth they need to live comfortably. The truth is, financial independence can be achieved with much less than you might think.
- If your goal is to live comfortably on ₹1 lakh a month, you’ll need about ₹3.6 crore.
- And if you’re aiming to live on ₹2 lakhs a month, adjusting for inflation every year, you’ll need around ₹7.2 crore.
That’s it. It’s not about amassing a huge fortune, but having enough to cover your needs while giving you the freedom to spend your time the way you want.
Why More Isn’t Always Better: The Trade-Offs to Consider
Here’s a question for you: Do you really need more if you already live comfortably?
Many of us fall into the trap of thinking that more money will lead to more happiness, but at what cost? More hours spent working might mean sacrificing precious time with family, pursuing your passions, or simply enjoying life.
- You might be looking at an extra ₹10-15 lakhs a year, but is it worth sacrificing your evenings, weekends, or time with your loved ones?
- Is it worth it? Could you delegate tasks or reduce your workload and still maintain a comfortable life?
When you measure wealth in time instead of just money, it becomes clear that more isn’t always better. The key is to work on your own terms, doing things that align with your values and using your time wisely.
What Really Matters: Quality Time
We’ve been conditioned to work tirelessly until 58 or 60, waiting for the so-called golden years. But ask yourself—do you really want to wait until you’re 60 to start enjoying life?
By then, will you be able to travel the world or pursue the hobbies you’re passionate about with the same energy and enthusiasm you have now?
The reality is, the years you have between your 30s and 50s are prime years. These are the years when you’re most likely to be healthy, active, and able to make the most of your time. And yet, many people spend these years locked into the grind, chasing money rather than experiences.
My Journey to Flexibility
Looking back at my corporate days, I realize how little control I had over my time. The daily commute, endless meetings, and the pressure to perform left me exhausted and unfulfilled. It was a cycle that seemed never-ending.
Now, I wake up with the freedom to decide how to start my day. I can take a peaceful jog, meditate, and exercise before diving into my work. This flexibility has not only given me more energy but also changed my mindset for the better.
The Finite Nature of Time
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds great, but is it really urgent?”, I encourage you to consider one question: How much time do you have left?
Let’s say you’re 40 years old, and the average life expectancy is around 78 years. That means you have about 38 summers left. After this summer, it’ll be 37.
- How many more Diwali celebrations will you get to spend with your family?
- How many more vacations will you take with your parents?
These numbers are finite, and your dreams—traveling the world or pursuing hobbies—require time, which, unlike money, doesn’t replenish.
Conclusion: Become a Time Billionaire
The goal isn’t to retire early or amass an unimaginable amount of wealth. The goal is to live a rich life—rich in experiences, rich in relationships, and rich in time.
So, take a look at your life today. How are you spending your time? Are you using it wisely? Are you making trade-offs that are worth it?
My advice: Shift your focus towards valuing time over money. Prioritize becoming a Time Billionaire—because, in the end, that’s the only wealth that truly matters.
