“If you want work well done, select a busy man – the other kind has no time.”

  — Elbert Hubbard

I ran across this study today about giving time. The abstract speaks for itself.

“Abstract Four experiments reveal a counterintuitive solution to the common problem of feeling that one does not have enough time: giving some of it away. Although people’s objective amount of time cannot be increased (there are only 24 hours in a day), this research demonstrates that people’s subjective sense of time affluence can be increased: compared with wasting time, spending time on oneself, and even gaining a windfall of “free” time, spending time on others increases feelings of time affluence. The impact of giving time on feelings of time affluence is driven by a boosted sense of self-efficacy – such that giving time makes people more willing to commit to future engagements despite their busy schedules.”

The authors, Cassie Mogilner of The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania,  Zoe Chance of Yale School of Management and Michael I. Norton of Harvard Business School have some serious credibility.

It really gets to the heart of what I’ve found through personal experience by giving my time daily – giving time gives you time.

Although it goes against common sense, giving more of your time helps you feel like you have more time, and thus more opportunities. It’s a wonderful way to do more without feeling like you’re doing more.

Conclusion? If you’re stressed for time, try giving your time, everyday. You might be surprised at how much more time you’ll discover.

We *do* have time to make a difference.

Today’s gift of time … Tired from a long day at the office, tired from a physically demanding round of martial arts with the kids, I found a few minutes to write a letter to my adopted soldier. Afterwards, not surprisingly, I felt like I had a little more time.