Time is the ultimate constraint. Portfolio thinking optimizes allocation across life domains.
The 70-20-10 Rule
Balanced time allocation maintains current stability while building future options:
Sandra's time allocation: - 70% Core: Current income and obligations - 20% Growth: Skill development and relationship building - 10% Exploration: Experiments and wild bets
This allocation maintained security while ensuring continuous evolution.
Temporal Diversification
Different life elements operate on different timescales. Diversifying temporal horizons creates balance.
William's temporal portfolio: - Daily: Core work, family time, health maintenance - Weekly: Skill development, relationship nurturing - Monthly: Strategic planning, network expansion - Quarterly: Major experiments, portfolio rebalancing - Yearly: Sabbaticals, intensive learning, life audits
Each timescale served different portfolio needs.
Energy Portfolio Management
Time without energy accomplishes nothing. Managing energy portfolios prevents burnout.
Rachel's energy allocation: - High Energy (morning): Creative work, difficult decisions - Medium Energy (afternoon): Meetings, administrative tasks - Low Energy (evening): Learning, relationships, recovery - Variable Energy: Matched to task requirements
She accomplished more by aligning energy with activities.