The Value of Time: What Taylor Swift, Canadian Research, and Happiness Teach Us
- Amanda Babcock
- Nov 24, 2024
- 3 min read
On November 22nd, I attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Toronto. It wasn’t just a concert—it was an unforgettable experience, shared with one of my best friends. Between the tickets, travel, hotel, and finding a sitter, it required time, effort, and money.
But as we sang along to “You Belong With Me” and cheered during “All Too Well (10-Minute Version),” I realized something: the best investments are the ones that make you feel “enchanted” in the moment and create memories you’ll treasure forever.
This experience was a reminder of why I do what I do at Loyalist Concierge Co.—to help people reclaim their time and spend it on the things that truly matter. How you choose to use it shapes everything that comes after.
The Value of Time: What Taylor Swift, Canadian Research, and Happiness Teach Us....
Taylor sings in “The Archer,” “I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey. Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay?”
These lyrics resonate when we think about time: Are we staying true to what we value most, or letting the busyness of life pull us in too many directions?
Spending your time mindfully can transform your life. Research shows that time, not money, has the biggest impact on happiness. Canadians, in particular, are rethinking how they measure success, prioritizing well-being, relationships, and meaningful experiences over material wealth.
Make Time for What Brings You Joy
Life isn’t about just working until you “shake it off.” Here’s what Canadian research teaches us about happiness and time:
Time vs. Money: Studies confirm that people who value time over money are generally happier. It’s not about how much you earn; it’s about how you spend your hours.
Social Connections: Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey shows that spending time with friends and family has a greater impact on life satisfaction than income.
Experiences Matter: Whether it’s attending a concert, taking a mental health day, or hiring someone to wrap your Christmas presents, choosing to spend time on things that enhance your well-being pays dividends in happiness.
Experiences like these, even when they’re costly, offer a return on investment that’s far more valuable than material goods. Research highlights that spending on experiences, rather than possessions, consistently increases happiness because it builds connections, stories, and joy.
A Lesson from the Eras Tour
Taylor’s Eras Tour wasn’t just a concert; it was an investment in joy, connection, and shared memories. Spending a little more for an experience that made me feel alive was worth every penny and every hour. As Taylor sings in “Daylight,” “I don’t want to look at anything else now that I saw you.”
The time I spent on this experience reminded me of the importance of intentionality. Don’t let the to-do list stop you from doing what fills your heart.
Life is too short not to dance, sing, and make the moments count.
Tips for Protecting Your Time
Here’s how to ensure your time is spent intentionally:
Go to the Concert – Don’t hesitate to invest in experiences that bring you joy. The memories you create will last far longer than material possessions.
Take a Mental Health Day – “You need to calm down” isn’t just a lyric—it’s great advice. Take a day off to recharge and focus on your well-being.
Delegate What You Can – Whether it’s hiring someone to clean your home, run errands, or wrap gifts, outsourcing tasks can free up time for what truly matters.
Taylor reminds us in “New Year’s Day” to “hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you.” Memories aren’t made by working late or putting yourself last—they’re made when you prioritize what lights you up.
Time is finite, and it’s far more precious than we often realize. Be mindful about how you spend it. Go to the concert, book the trip, take the day off. And if you need a little help clearing your plate, I’m here for you. Your time is your greatest treasure—use it well,
“like you were made of starlight.” Taylor Swift
Let’s start a conversation. Comment below or reach out on LinkedIn to share how you prioritize your time or how I can help you find more of it.
Comments