5 things wise and mature people almost never waste time on

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time is the most valuable thing a person can spend.”

Yet, in our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions, trivial pursuits, and endless obligations that drain our energy and rob us of precious moments.

But wise and mature individuals seem to navigate life with a different approach. They understand that time is finite and choose to invest it where it truly counts.

These people don’t just avoid wasting time—they actively steer clear of activities and mindsets that don’t align with their values and goals.

In this article, we explore five such things. Are you making the most of your time?

Let’s find out.

1) Idle gossip

We all know that person who seems to have a never-ending supply of gossip. They always have the latest scoop and seem to relish in sharing it.

But mature and wise individuals? They hardly ever waste time on this.

There’s a simple reason. Gossip is often negative, unproductive, and it can even be harmful.

It’s rarely based on facts and doesn’t contribute anything positive to our lives. As noted by the folks at WebMD, “Rumors, gossip, and fake news can make you feel helpless, angry, and very anxious.”

Wise people understand the value of time, and they know that idle gossip isn’t worth it. They prefer to spend their time on things that matter, things that enrich their lives and the lives of others.

2) Holding onto grudges

Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes, people hurt us. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s part of being human.

In my younger years, I held onto a grudge against a close friend who had wronged me. I spent countless hours replaying the incident in my mind, nursing my anger and resentment.

But as I grew older (and hopefully wiser), I realized that holding onto that grudge was doing me no good. It wasn’t hurting the person who had wronged me – they were probably blissfully unaware of my feelings.

Perhaps, more importantly, it was wasting my time and draining my energy.

This is backed up by research; one study has suggested that holding onto resentment serves to make negative feelings more persistent and lower self-esteem.

Mature people don’t waste their time holding onto grudges. They know that it doesn’t change the past, it doesn’t improve the present, and it certainly doesn’t pave the way for a better future.

They choose to let go, to forgive, not necessarily because the other person deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.

3) Comparing oneself to others

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media and feeling a twinge of envy?

Maybe you start wondering why others seem to have it all figured out while you’re still trying to get your act together. This kind of comparison is something wise and mature people almost never waste their time on.

Why? Because they know it’s a game that nobody wins.

Instead of getting caught up in how they stack up against others, they choose a more productive path.

As widely advised by psychologists like Jordan Peterson, they compare themselves to who they were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.

They celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and they learn from their mistakes instead of beating themselves up over them.

This approach isn’t about ignoring the success of others; it’s about focusing on personal growth. They understand that everyone has their own journey, and that the only real competition is with themselves.

Next time you feel the urge to compare, remember: it’s your own progress that matters, not someone else’s highlight reel.

4) Neglecting loved ones for work

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work. The pressure to succeed, to earn, to climb the corporate ladder can consume us.

Wise and mature people, however, understand something crucial. They know that while work is important, it’s our relationships with our loved ones that truly enrich our lives.

They grasp that time spent with family and friends is never wasted. These are the moments that make life worth living, the memories that warm our hearts long after they’ve happened.

They understand that at the end of our lives, it’s not the hours spent at the office we’ll remember and cherish.

It’s the laughter shared with friends, the warm hugs from our children, the quiet moments with our partners.

5) Worrying about things they can’t control

So let’s say you’re stuck in traffic, late for an important meeting. You’re frustrated, maybe even panicking, because every minute feels like a lost opportunity.

But here’s the thing: no matter how much you stress, you can’t magically clear the road ahead of you.

Instead of wasting time or energy worrying about things they can’t control, they channel their focus toward what they can influence.

As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “We should always be asking ourselves: ‘Is this something that is or is not in my control?’”

By keeping this perspective, they free themselves from the anxiety and frustration that often accompany uncontrollable situations.

This mindset doesn’t mean they’re indifferent or passive. On the contrary, they take proactive steps in areas where their actions can make a difference.

For everything else, they practice acceptance, recognizing that no amount of worrying will change the outcome.

Final thoughts: It’s all about choice

The essence of wisdom and maturity often boils down to the choices we make and how we choose to spend our finite resource – time.

Wise people understand that every minute spent on idle gossip, holding grudges, or comparing themselves to others is a minute lost from investing in their growth, nurturing relationships, or simply experiencing the joy of the present.

So, as we navigate through our own journeys, let’s remember this wisdom.

Let’s make the choice to focus our time and energy on what truly matters. Let’s choose to learn to forgive and let go. To appreciate what we have instead of comparing ourselves to others.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much time we have but how we choose to spend it.