Sometimes we don’t do something by conscious choice, and other times we don’t do something simply because that “something” was a sacrifice to the opportunity cost of something else. We should evaluate these choices – both in ourselves and in others – differently, but often we don’t.
We can’t do everything. We can’t maximize on all values, we can’t give 100% of ourselves to every aspect of our lives. We have to balance things, make trade-offs, and be intentional about our time and other resources. Making those trade-offs isn’t the same as refusing to do something because of the thing itself.
Don’t infer about others (or yourself!) that you’re somehow anti-reading because you prioritized spending time with friends during your scant few hours last week. Not doing something isn’t always a snub.
The Opportunity Machine 