Nadeera Hashan
The Time
If given a choice between 10 million dollars and the chance to go back ten years with the knowledge you possess today, I’m quite sure most people would choose the former. However, I would prefer the latter. For me, the most invaluable asset in this world is time.
Time is a peculiar thing most of us believe that we have, yet we often don’t truly realize until it’s nearly gone. I recall conversations with friends who, after failing exams, felt their world had ended. I always tried to reframe it: “There’s no such thing as failure in this world. The only thing that truly happens is that it takes your time.” My advice then, as it is now, is to strive to get things right the first time.
However, is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. Whether you’re a billionaire or a laborer, that daily allocation of time remains constant. The real challenge, therefore, lies not in acquiring more time, but in mastering its management.
I don’t claim to be a genius, but I can share some practical tips that have significantly helped me reclaim and optimize my time:
1. Cultivate Present Moment Awareness
This is the foundational attitude we must cultivate to truly “save” time. Be alert to where you are and what you’re doing at all times, not just during meetings or social gatherings. Even when reading a book, if your attention wavers, you’ll find yourself rereading same paragraphs repeatedly. We aren’t robots, and continuous concentration can be challenging due to numerous distractions. However, we can gradually improve our focus.
If you stay anchored in the present moment, clarity will naturally emerge. For those struggling significantly with attention, practicing mindfulness meditation can be highly beneficial. Start with just 2-3 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration.
2. Prioritize Your Jobs
Effectively prioritizing your work is crucial. A powerful framework involves classifying tasks by their urgency and importance. Some tasks are urgent and demand immediate attention, often with strict deadlines. Others may not be urgent but are highly important for your long-term goals or well-being. By distinguishing between these, you can strategically allocate your energy and ensure that what truly matters gets done. Take a moment to reflect: are your actions aligned with your deepest values?
3. Discern & Disconnect: The Social Media
In today’s digital age, many of us are more addicted to social media than to actual substances. When was the last time you truly sat down and read a book? For most, the answer is a hazy memory, if any. This is a prevalent issue: we often lose sight of what genuinely matters. Consider watching a video of someone feeding their cat – what tangible benefit does that offer you? You don’t even know that person!
It’s time to stop squandering precious hours on trivial content and pervasive social media advertisements. This isn’t to say we should abandon social media entirely; in the 21st century, connection is vital. However, remain vigilant. Consciously skip the “bullshit content” that social media algorithms push your way. By doing so, It will pop up you what really matters to you.
4. Conquer Procrastination with Smart Work
Admittedly, humans inherently possess a degree of laziness. Yet, there are tasks we simply must complete. Procrastinating is never the answer. This doesn’t mean you must be a tireless workhorse; instead, strive to be a smart worker. Dedicate thought to figuring out ways to accomplish tasks more easily and efficiently.
5. Structure Your Day: Plan & Organize
Create a plan and schedule for your daily activities. Even if it’s not ideal written down, formulate a clear mental roadmap and ensure things are organized. Just as a well-arranged living room bring you peace and clarity same as organized workspace clears your mind, making you more productive.
Finally, master the art of leveraging small pockets of time. What do you do when you’re waiting for something? I often use that time to call a friend who truly matters to me, just to connect. For me, maintaining those friendships is genuinely important.
My dear friends,
this is my first blog post, and I sincerely hope you’ve gleaned some valuable insights from it. Thank you for dedicating your precious time to reading these thoughts.
