Time that counts not the wristwatch

How do people determine what time is? Is it defined by the cycle of the seasons, the sun and the moon, or the ticking of the second hand on a noisy wall clock or a wristwatch? Does time restrict our lives or help us keep them more organised? Sometimes, time seems too short, while at other times, during idle waiting, it seems interminably long.

Everyone has the same amount of time in life, so time cannot be stocked up. Each day is a set number of hours, and once those hours have passed, they cannot be recovered. This unique characteristic of time means that every moment counts. Whether it is spending time with loved ones, pursuing personal goals, or simply enjoying leisure activities, how we use our time shapes the quality of our lives.

However, the real meaning of time differs from person to person. Time is the most valuable thing a person can spend, and a lifetime is like a clock ticking down to its last minute. Time is more precious than anything in life, but what truly matters is how we spend it. When we talk about spending, money often comes into the discussion. A mistake in spending money can often be corrected, but time spent without a purpose is lost forever and never returns. Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Western art, said, “Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.”

Indeed, it is challenging to define time because its significance depends on how people perceive it. The world's view on time is as diverse as its population, influenced by feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and cultures. However, planning is one of the most effective tools to understand the true value of time and achieving effective time management. It is also crucial for meeting people’s needs, as daily actions are closely tied to both time and money. With careful planning, it is much easier to adjust plans and avoid problems rather than dealing with them in an unexpected and uncontrollable manner.

At times, you might feel stressed out by a hectic routine and seek ways to do less and enjoy your time more. Everyone wants to feel more focused on time management rather than being caught in a relentless rush from one activity to another, feeling exhausted both day and night.

Benjamin Franklin, an American scientist, inventor, statesman, philosopher, and economist, once asked, “Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff that life is made of.” We see people wearing very expensive watches, yet they seem indifferent to time. They often care more about the price of their watches than about the time itself. It's a curious phenomenon!

Many people wear watches that cost thousands of dollars merely for prestige or to show off. On the other hand, there are those who don’t wear watches or perhaps don’t even own one, yet they are very punctual and genuinely value time. They manage their time effectively without the aid of a fancy device on their wrist. It is their consciousness, not their watch, that upholds the value of time.

Punctuality is not something tangible that we can see in electronic devices like watches, clocks, or even mobile phones. It is a value and a principle that many people today disregard because they do not appreciate the real value of time. With good time management, you can have better control over your time and life, maintaining a balance between work, personal life, and family responsibilities.

We all have the same number of hours in a day as the great personalities and world celebrities like Helen Keller, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, and Albert Einstein. As the adage states, “Time and tide wait for no man.” It is your perception, not watches, that values time and keeps it ticking and clicking!