Do we all have the same 24 hours in a day?
Not long ago, one of my acquaintances posted on Facebook a photo of former U.S. president Barack Obama paddle boarding.
“Father, husband, politician, athlete, … Obama, like you, has 24 hours in a day. What’s your excuse?” the caption read.
But do we really have the same 24 hours? While the clock ticks uniformly for all of us, the realities we face are far from similar.
On the surface, the statement is factually true: every individual experiences a day that consists of 24 hours. The intention behind the phrase, especially when used in motivational contexts, is to suggest that everyone has an equal opportunity to use their time productively.
Can we all use our 24 hours productively?
I truly think the answer to the question depends on a series of factors:
Wealth and Resources: Financial means can enable individuals to delegate tasks, hire help, or use services that save time. This can free them up to pursue other interests, and tasks, or simply relax. I’m a big believer that rest and relaxation are very important for productivity.
Support Systems: Strong support systems in the form of family, friends, or staff can significantly impact how one’s time is spent. Someone with a reliable team or support at home can focus on other tasks or hobbies.
Health: A person’s physical and mental health plays a significant role. Someone dealing with a chronic illness or mental health struggles might find their day consumed with managing their health.
Responsibilities: A single low-income parent juggling work, full childcare, and other duties will have a different 24 hours than someone without such pressing responsibilities. Their reality completely differs from that of someone with better financial resources and support.
Opportunities and Access: Not everyone has the same opportunities, whether that’s a safe environment to live and work, access to quality education, or chances to network and grow professionally. These opportunities can drastically shape how one allocates their hours.
Cultural and Societal Expectations: Cultural norms and societal pressures can dictate how time is spent, especially for those who may face expectations based on gender, age, or societal roles.
Sometimes the 24-hour sentiment aims to inspire, but I think it’s important to approach such statements with an understanding that everyone’s situation is unique. We don’t really see all the struggles people face.
The perception of time is not constant among us. The freedom and ability to use time to one’s advantage can differ widely.
Reflecting on my own life, as I have gotten more established in my profession — and wealthier — I can buy out more time. I can delegate more. The ability to outsource tasks, hire help, or just take some time to recharge is a huge advantage. It’s like having a secret weapon in the productivity war, and it’s only available to those who can afford it.
So, next time we’re tempted to compare our 24 hours to someone else’s, I think it’s important to remember that myriad factors shape our days.
Let’s take a moment to consider that the myth of meritocracy — the idea that those who ‘make it’ simply work hard and use their time productively — might indeed be just that: a myth.
