Thirst for Learning: Books That Remind EO Boston Members That Time Isn't Exactly Money
- EO Boston Board
- May 29
- 5 min read
Entrepreneurs are often told that time is money, but is that really the case? It might be better to view time as a valuable resource that can be leveraged to create value and purpose. This value can translate to money, but money isn’t always the end goal of how we spend our time, nor should it be.
At EO Boston, our members spend a lot of time discussing what our businesses mean to us, our people, and the world, not just in terms of continuous growth but also in terms of real impact in our communities. Our core value of “Thirst for Learning” isn’t just a motto; it’s a mindset that helps us widen our horizons by learning from other members, their life experiences, and their perspectives. One way we learn together is by sharing insights we’ve gained from the many great books available that cover important topics, such as the interplay of time and money. Three standouts include:
1. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz (who will be speaking with EO Boston in September of 2025)
Here are four takeaways from these books that reframe the entrepreneurial adage that “time is money” in thought-provoking ways.
1. Money Is a Tool, Not the Goal
Someone once said that if you take all the money in the world and divide it equally among everyone, it will eventually end up in the pockets of a few people within a few months. This shows that money is not the end point but rather a means to achieve great goals in the hands of a visionary leader.
Without vision, you risk wasting your money (or at least missing out on opportunities) regardless of how large the sum may be. This shift in perspective is a crucial tool for building resilient and purpose-driven businesses among EO Boston members.
That is why Michalowicz, in Profit First, urges entrepreneurs to change their mindsets from seeing money as a byproduct of hustling to a tool for sustainability. This drives the notion to “pay yourself first” as a business owner or entrepreneur.
In Die With Zero, Bill Perkins pushes this further, emphasizing that accumulating wealth should not be the goal. He writes, “The purpose of life is to maximize positive life experiences,” advocating that time and health are finite. As an entrepreneur, spend intentionally on travel, memories, and moments before it’s too late.
According to Dan Martell in Buy Back Your Time, an entrepreneur does not grow a business with the mindset that they can have more freedom. Rather, money is spent to reclaim time by hiring help, finding support, and delegating tasks to free up some of your time.
All three books support the idea that money shouldn’t just be what you’re after as a business owner as an end in and of itself; it should serve as a tool and resource for sustainability, meaningful life experiences, and profits.
2. Time Is More Valuable Than Money
You can always make more money, but you cannot manufacture more time. Therefore, time is not money in any literal sense; it is much more valuable. Dan Martell described time as the ultimate non-renewable asset, arguing that instead of entrepreneurs wasting their time on handling tasks themselves, they should use the money to hire hands and automate their processes.
This allows business owners to focus on strategic growth, creative pursuits, and personal well-being. An insight from Die With Zero urges readers not to delay life for an undefined future. The writer explains that when money is saved up over time without any meaningful use, it becomes a missed opportunity for joy and connection.
The book further highlights the fact that time and health are two important life essentials that diminish over the years, while money is a renewable asset. Likewise, Michalowicz explains that prioritizing profit and simplifying money management reduces stress, providing entrepreneurs with free time to tackle more demanding tasks, as money is, unlike time, replaceable.
3. Intentional Living and Decision-Making Matter
Intentional living and decision-making are central themes in these three books. These works challenge members of our Boston’s entrepreneurs’ network to rethink how we spend our time, money, and energy, not just to build wealth but to build a meaningful life.
Michalowicz, the author of Profit First, introduced a financial framework that flips the traditional business notation “revenue - expenses = profit” to “revenue - profit = expenses,” advising business owners to be more deliberate with their financial choices, avoid wasteful spending, work within their means, and make thoughtful decisions that lead to long-term sustainability.
Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time takes intentionality into the realm of productivity. He teaches entrepreneurs to conduct a “time audit,” which helps identify low-value activities and ensures proper measures are taken to enhance productivity. By reclaiming their schedules, business owners can make deliberate choices about where to invest their time for maximum impact. Martell’s philosophy is about designing a life that aligns with one’s values, not just reacting to the demands of a growing business. Die With Zero encourages readers to plan their lives around memorable experiences rather than abstract financial goals.
Perkins promotes a concept called “time bucketing,” where individuals allocate experiences based on life stages. This method ensures people make the most of their abilities and health when they can, rather than postponing joy until retirement. It’s a call to live intentionally, making each financial and personal choice serve a broader vision for fulfillment.
4. Break Free From Traditional Financial Thinking
Breaking free from traditional financial thinking is a recurring message in Profit First, Die With Zero, and Buy Back Your Time, each book challenging long-held beliefs about money, success, and self-worth. These books urge entrepreneurs to stop following default financial norms and instead adopt models that align with their values and goals.
Make the Most Out of Your Time
In today’s fast-paced and always-changing business world, it’s easy to equate every minute with its dollar value. But for EO Boston members, true success means something deeper: using time and money intentionally to create a more meaningful, impactful life. While there are many “time is money” books out there, the books explored here challenge the popular “hustle” mindset and offer a fresh perspective on how to live and lead with purpose.
Most importantly, they emphasize that money is replaceable, but time is not. If you’re ready to shift your thinking and grow alongside a community that values learning as much as achievement, EO Boston might be the place for you. Learn more about EO Boston and how we can help you grow your business.