Imagine this scenario: at 25 years old, you have unlimited energy and time, but it feels like you never have enough money to do everything you dream of. Now, imagine reaching 65 years old with enough money to fulfil any wish, but lacking the energy you once had to enjoy it.

Sound familiar?

This is what we call the life triangle, and it’s composed of three fundamental resources: Time, Energy, and Money. The real challenge is learning to balance these three elements in each stage of our lives.

The Life Triangle Dilemma

Before moving on, it’s important to understand where you currently stand in the vital triangle. Take a moment to reflect:

• Do you have time to do what you love, or do you constantly feel busy?

• By the end of the day, do you feel exhausted or full of energy?

• Do you feel financially comfortable, or are you always worried about money?

Pause and think about these questions. Knowing where you are right now is the first step toward designing the life you want.

Where Are You in the Triangle?

Youth (0-30 years): Lots of Energy, Little Money

When you’re young, you typically have two great advantages: energy and time. You have the capacity to work long hours, study, socialise, and experiment without feeling too worn out. However, this is also the stage where money is often scarce. You’re still building your life, learning, and discovering your passions.

The key at this stage is to invest your energy and time wisely in things that will increase your value in the long term:

• Educate yourself: Invest in skills that will be useful for generating income later on.

• Save and manage your finances: Develop good financial habits early.

• Take care of your health: Don’t waste your energy on activities that will deplete you physically or emotionally in the long run.

Adulthood (30-60 years): Energy Declining, Money Abundant

In adulthood, the situation changes. You probably have an established career and are earning more money than in your youth. However, energy is no longer the same. Work, family responsibilities, and daily obligations can consume much of your time and energy. Here, the real challenge is learning to balance.

Key tips for this stage:

• Optimise your time: Learn to delegate and prioritise what truly matters.

• Invest your money wisely: Grow your capital in ways that generate passive income, freeing up time for yourself.

• Self-care: Despite having more responsibilities, don’t neglect your physical and mental health. Maintaining energy for the long term is crucial to enjoying this stage.

Think about those people who, by 50, manage to "semi-retire" thanks to the smart investments they made in their youth. What can you do today to ensure you can enjoy more free time without sacrificing your energy?

Old Age (60-90 years): Time and Money, But Little Energy

By the time you reach this stage of life, things shift again. You usually have time and money, but your energy begins to decline. This means you should have made smart decisions in earlier stages to fully enjoy your later years.

At this stage, health and quality of life become your most valuable assets. After all, there’s no point in having all the money and time in the world if your body doesn’t allow you to enjoy them.

Tips for this stage:

• Keep your mind and body active: Exercise, learn new things, and maintain a social life.

• Plan your retirement: Make sure your finances are in order so you can enjoy your retirement without worries.

• Enjoy what you love: Use the time and money you now have to focus on the things you’ve always wanted to do.

Hack the 3-Resource System

What if you could break the traditional cycle? While the vital triangle of time, energy, and money typically follows a common pattern, there are ways to hack the system and balance the three resources from an early stage.

Now that you understand the vital triangle, think about how you can balance these three resources in your own life. Make a list of concrete steps you can take today to maintain a healthy balance between time, energy, and money.

What Will You Do Today to Improve Your Balance?

The vital triangle of time, energy, and money is a reality we all live with. The key is learning to balance it, making the most of each stage of life. Whether you're full of energy and time in your youth or looking for ways to preserve your health in old age, it’s never too late to take control and design the life you want.