The Calculator
This is still in Beta.
I’m continuing to refine the algorithm on the back end.
Be sure to read the “Background” & “Examples” sections below and watch the TEDx Talk Brian delivered on this, to truly understand the intentions behind these numbers as a tool to help make decisions in your life.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW YOUR TIME’S VALUE
Visit the other calculator linked here to Estimate Your Time’s Value
you will need to know that below.
Incorporate Your Time's Value
When Weighing 2 Options?
Answer the following questions.
Press the "Calculate" button to update results at the bottom.
No symbols. No commas. Use only basic numbers with decimals.
($68,703.50 = 68703.50 --and/or-- 15 minutes = 0.25 hours)
01
01
02
02
option 1
option 2
Why is the preference toward each option a percentage?
Since there are so many factors in any decision, I want this calculator to “lean” one way or the other with a recommendation, but not just a “heads or tails” answer. I use percentages to show how strongly the calculator is “leaning” one way or another, along with your calculated values. It shouldn’t be 100% for one option or the other, which I believe is more realistic for decisions in life.
Can I help you with this tool? Let’s chat for just a few minutes.
Background
Here is the working “beta” version of my calculator, which incorporates the value of your time when comparing between two choices that accomplish the same general outcome. I’m looking for feedback, since I’m continuing to refine the algorithm on the back end, so please try it and let me know what you think!
Your Time Is Worth Something, Let’s Incorporate That.
In one of my first blog posts on this site, I created a calculator to help people put an actual $ value on their time. Many people in my workshops often find they underestimate, undervalue, or forget the value of their time.
Factoring in your time’s value may change the result between two options that lead to the same outcome.
It’s not always about the simple calculation, right? Many decisions don’t come down to just the $ value of one choice versus another. There are other factors, such as:
Do you have a choice?
Do you have the money?
Does it bring you joy or will it be a fond memory?
Will you learn something? etc…
This calculator helps frame that discussion and provides a recommendation to consider in two main types of decisions.
This calculator can’t help with big decisions like getting married or having kids, but it can help you in two common situations you face daily:
1) Situations where you’re choosing your time vs. your money, such as:
Pay for delivery, or go pick it up yourself?
Paint the house (or mow the yard, etc.) or pay someone to do it?
Drive or fly, when taking a long trip?
Drive farther away to get to the cheaper gas station?
2) Situations where you’re choosing to give your time, often in exchange for something, such as:
Take this 10 minute survey about your experience in exchange for $2 off your next visit.
Follow this process for a $__ rebate or a warranty replacement.
If you come in today you’ll get ___ free.
Examples Using The Calculator
Here are the time and $ calculations using the numbers from a past workshop participant, along with the calculator's recommendation.
Example 1: Should You Go to the store, versus getting your groceries delivered.
Going to the store
Total “Touch” Time: 2 hours
Make the list. Go to the store. Come home. Put the groceries away.
Total Direct Costs: $53
$50 in groceries with tax. $3 in gas.
Your Time’s Value + Costs = $97.18
Preference Toward This Option: 40%**
(Your numbers will likely be different)
Get your groceries delivered:
Total “Touch” Time: .5 hours
Place the order. Put away the groceries when they arrive.
Total Direct Costs: $55
$50 in groceries with tax. $5 tip for driver.
Your Time’s Value + Costs = $66.05
Preference Toward This Option: 60%**
(Your numbers will likely be different)
Example 2: Should You Drive, or Fly, To Dallas?
Fly to Dallas
Total Time: 4 hours, door to door.
2 hour flight, 1 hour airport check-in, 1 hour taxi/Uber to airport & destination.
Total Direct Cost: $180
$150 flight. $30 in Ubers.
Your Time’s Value + Costs = $307.60
**Preference Toward This Option: 61%
Drive to Dallas
Total Time: 12 Hours, door to door.
Includes time for bathroom and meal stops along the way.
Total Direct Cost: $90
$70 in gas. $20 in meals/snacks.
Your Time’s Value + Costs = $473.80
**Preference Toward This Option: 39%
I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. Time is precious. I created Productivity Gladiator because I saw what a difference it made to share small and specific actions you can take right now, right away, to achieve better work life balance, be more productive, and live your best life right now, today, not wait until retirement. I want you to start doing the things you WANT to do, not get stuck only chasing what you NEED to do. If any of this resonates with you, I hope you’ll subscribe, and if you’re so inclined, send me a note. It brings me joy sharing Productivity Gladiator with you.