In a world filled with inequality and governed by socioeconomic class, time remains the one resource we all possess equally. It discriminates not between the rich or the poor, young and old or even rural and urban yet it remains the most wasted commodity. That wastage is predicated not from a lack of ambition but a lack of discipline. If we are serious about raising a generation of leaders who are great thinkers and visionaries, then we must address this critical truth – time is not money, time is power.
As Guyana continues to enter its most transformative era, our youth must begin to realize that the foundation of excellence is simply not talent alone but a combination and weaponization of discipline as it pertains to the intelligent use of time. It is rather alarming how many gifted young people prostrate themselves to poor time management despite being filled with amazing potential and ideas. The day slips through their fingers, distracted by digital illusions that serve not the viewer but the stakeholders who wish to keep them addicted. I must make mention that the opposite is not this glorified busyness but rather prudent time management. In science it is often stated that a problem stated clearly is already half solved. Let’s take a look at the stats.
The average person by, popular average, spends approximately 3 hours a day on social media. That’s roughly 1000 hours a year. 1000 hours a year! Some may attribute this to leisure but that is an exorbitant amount. Just imagine what can be done with this time, learning a new language, building a business, earning professional certifications etc. This doesn’t even take into account the wastage of time in other areas of life. I will postulate in this context, that time is not being used but surrendered. This surrender is quite problematic. It delays one’s dreams, destroy discipline and from a macro perspective, it enables a lazy population. That is not what we need right now for a nation is only as productive as its people.
Side quest “Last week as I was getting home, I saw a guy reluctant to hold the door for the lady behind him. She had a child with her. I felt taken back, not because it’s the gentlemanly thing to do and hold the door but rather it convinces the female population that chivalry is dead. Often times men engage with this chivalry when it is someone they fancy. This is a short message to our male readers, let us collectively engage in chivalry regardless if it is someone you fancy. Every female should go through life knowing the genuineness of a gentleman’s chivalry without any agenda whatsoever”.
Now let’s learn how we can reclaim time.
The answer is time management, but let’s break that down. What constitutes time management? Personally, time management is scheduling and finding avenues to create more time. I am not saying to keep yourself bound to a rigid schedule and then go posting your schedule online to flex but rather carving out blocks of time for deep work, reflection and even leisure. Create a to-do list and focus on having 3 strong goals first coupled with others that may be of little importance. I will share my routine as an example. This article is being written at exactly 3:40am. I carved out the period of 3:15am – 5:45 am for deep work. This is where I do my most important work and studying. Coupled with a morning run and some breakfast, I head to work. 8:30am – 4pm, this is where I complete all my other tasks from teaching to community engagement as well as organizing events and a lot of paperwork. Workout at 5pm, attend classes and dinner at 7:30pm. I spend some time with my family after which I retreat to my place of slumber with a book until 10pm. My days aren’t always perfect. None of us are when it comes to scheduling, but the idea is to build consistency and discipline. Carving out time blocks for work allows you to get a lot done but this must be coupled with the discipline of staying the course. The schedule is simply there to guide you. My schedule took 3 years to perfect, understanding what my body needs and when. It differs and rightfully so, but ensure you keep these 3 pillars; 8 hours work, 1 hour exercise and 2 hours self-studying.
I must address mental energy as my next point. I was recently made aware of this one since I usually work through burnouts but little did, I realize, that just sets you up for a higher fall. Tired minds cannot focus. Overwhelmed brains cannot plan. This is why rest, nutrition, exercise and mental wellness is extremely important. Practice mindfulness and mediation, gratitude journaling and even doing yoga. These might seem to some as unimportant but it gives you sustainability throughout the years. Time management is not the sole purpose of life, it’s about creating an effective tool to aid in your ambition and therefore it must be sustainable.
I do intend to write more on the quality of time and efficiency at a later date but I must close at this time. Until then try to perfect your scheduling and if you have, then feel free to reach out and share your experience.
If you do not master the clock, then you shall remain a slave to it.
