What QTR Taught Me About Time, Peace, and Power

Podcast Summary: The Ed Mylett Show – "What QTR Taught Me About Time, Peace, and Power"

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt and introspective episode of The Ed Mylett Show, host Ed Mylett delves deep into the concept of QTR—an acronym he defines as Quality Time Remaining. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with a circle of successful men, Ed explores the finite nature of time and the importance of intentionally creating meaningful moments. This episode serves as a motivational guide, urging listeners to prioritize what truly matters in their lives.

Understanding QTR: Quality Time Remaining

Ed introduces the term QTR, explaining its significance in evaluating how we spend our remaining time on Earth. At 54 years old, Ed reflects on the unpredictability of life and the limited number of meaningful moments we possess.

Defining QTR: "Quality time remaining. See, I'm 54 years old now... it's about quality time remaining, like healthy living. It could be two years, it could be 20 years." ([10:45])

Ed emphasizes that life isn't just about the quantity of time but the quality of experiences and relationships we cultivate.

The Impact of a Growth-Based Environment

Ed shares his appreciation for Growth Day, an app created by Brendan Burchard, which fosters a growth-oriented community. Although promotional segments are present in the transcript, the core message reinforces the importance of being in environments that spur personal and professional growth.

Growth Day Endorsement: "And I'm honored that he asked me to be a part of it as well and contribute on a weekly basis." ([02:30])

Personal Reflections and Life Lessons

Ed opens up about his personal health challenges, including a heart attack at 33, which significantly altered his perspective on quality time.

Health Challenges: "When I was 30, nobody told me that in three years you'd have a heart attack, which I did when I was 33." ([15:20])

These experiences underline the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.

QTR Moments: Celebrating Life's Highlights

Ed discusses how he and his group of financially successful men use group texts to share QTR moments—photos and stories that capture significant experiences, from hunting trips to family moments.

Sharing QTR Moments: "We take these pictures and say QTR. And it's just a moment of quality time reminding everybody else in the group that we're on a clock that's ticking." ([18:10])

He highlights the importance of being intentional in creating and sharing these moments, rather than passively letting life's moments slip away.

Intentional Living: Prioritizing What Matters

A central theme of the episode is living intentionally by prioritizing important over urgent tasks. Ed warns against getting bogged down by the hustle culture that often leads to neglecting meaningful relationships and personal fulfillment.

Prioritizing Important Over Urgent: "Urgency steals from importance if you're not intentional." ([35:50])

Ed encourages listeners to focus on connections, purpose, and dreams, asserting that intentionality leads to a more fulfilling life.

Creating a QTR Mindset

Ed advocates for adopting a QTR mindset, where individuals live as if their time is precious and limited. He challenges listeners to consider how they would spend their time if they only had a few years left.

QTR Mindset: "Live like your time matters, because it does." ([42:15])

By integrating QTR into daily life, Ed believes individuals can enhance their ability to contribute and grow while still cherishing meaningful moments.

Legacy Thinking: Building Lasting Memories

Ed touches on the concept of legacy, urging listeners, especially those in their 20s and 30s, to think about the experiences and memories they wish to leave behind.

Legacy Building: "Young QTR thinking pushes you towards legacy building rather than life drifting." ([50:30])

He emphasizes that intentional legacy thinking prevents life from drifting aimlessly and ensures that one's actions today create meaningful memories for the future.

Savoring the Present: Being Fully Present

Using analogies like expiring milk and the final moments of a vacation or concert, Ed illustrates the importance of being present and savoring each moment.

Being Present: "Imagine your life was a gallon of milk with an expiration date... would you just leave it on the counter wasting away? Or would you savor it while it's still good?" ([58:45])

This metaphor underscores the urgency to embrace and fully experience life's moments before they pass.

Practical Steps to Implement QTR

Ed provides actionable steps for listeners to incorporate QTR into their lives:

One Day Test: Choose a day within the next two weeks to live intentionally, focusing on meaningful interactions and activities. ("What if you just picked one day in the next two weeks to intentionally live as if QTR was precious?" [1:05:10])
Create a QTR List: Instead of a traditional bucket list, curate a list of quality moments and experiences you want to achieve. ("Create a QTR list instead of a bucket list." [1:10:20])

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Ed concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of balancing ambition with quality time. He shares personal anecdotes about cherished memories with his family and achievements, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from both personal success and meaningful relationships.

Balancing Ambition and Quality Time: "I want to become the highest expression of yourself... but I don't want you to do that at the expense of quality time." ([1:25:35])

Ed encourages listeners to embrace both their goals and the moments that make life meaningful, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling existence.

Conclusion

In "What QTR Taught Me About Time, Peace, and Power," Ed Mylett delivers a compelling message about the finite nature of time and the necessity of living intentionally. By introducing the concept of Quality Time Remaining, Ed provides a framework for listeners to prioritize meaningful experiences and relationships, ultimately fostering a more balanced and fulfilling life. This episode serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and create lasting memories amidst the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes

"Quality time remaining. See, I'm 54 years old now... it's about quality time remaining, like healthy living." ([10:45])
"Urgency steals from importance if you're not intentional." ([35:50])
"Live like your time matters, because it does." ([42:15])
"Imagine your life was a gallon of milk with an expiration date... would you just leave it on the counter wasting away? Or would you savor it while it's still good?" ([58:45])