Time

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” – William Penn

Time. There’s always so much of it, but at the same time, so little. Time speeds up at the most inconvenient times – like when you’re trying to get in some last minute rushed studies that you left too late. And then time slows down when you don’t want it to – like when you’re stuck in an excessively boring class. I guess Einstein did have a thing when he spoke about the ‘relativity’ of time – being related to the speed of an object!
One of the most popular refrains used every day by many people is the sigh: “If only I had more time…” In hindsight (which is always 20/20!), it always seems that if there was more time, you could’ve done so much better at anything.
But while that may probably be true in some instances, sometimes, having all the time in the world wouldn’t have made any difference. Because if you’re like me (a notorious procrastinator) you’ll just keep saying: “I’ll get to that later” and whatever it is might either never get done, or it may have to be rushed. Because it all comes down to better management of that time. Better use of time.
And time management is especially important for students. Because we’re always being hit with assignments, tests or labs from left, right and centre. It’s like being in the middle of a war zone, with homework being the chosen weapons of mass destruction.
And it all builds up into a massive mountain of work to be done. It can get extremely overwhelming. And that’s where things like timetables come in. Things like setting goals for specific time slots. Planning how you’ll be using your time. Making lists and prioritising the things to do.
Now, while planning out your time might seem like adding more work to your ever-growing mountain of work, it actually isn’t.
Because these plans aren’t supposed to be ridiculously elaborate, planning for every possible contingency. You’re planning how you’ll get your homework done – not planning a heist or how to break into the White House or something. OK?
Because except for people with photographic memories, nobody can remember every single thing they have to do (unless, of course, they’re people with a ridiculously small amount of things to do, in which case myself and other students are incredibly jealous of those fortunate souls). People need to write things down to remember, to make a reminder for it on their phones. Due dates can get mixed up, unless you make a note of them.
Making plans and sticking to them builds discipline. And in today’s society, we need more things that help to encourage discipline.
Those Chinese workers we’re hearing about? They’re disciplined. Starting to stick to your plans at a school-age trains you to stick to plans when you get older.
So take some time to plan your use of time. What’s that proverb? Time and tide wait for no man?