Time is one of those things we all think we have plenty of until it starts slipping through our fingers. I used to think I had it all figured out. Wake up, do a few tasks, eat, sleep, repeat. But somewhere along the line, I realised I wasn’t really “living” I was just existing. I was doing things, yes, but not necessarily using my time in ways that mattered.
I’ve always been a busy man. From morning till night, something always needs my attention work deadlines, personal goals, family matters, social life. It’s like the moment I cross one thing off the list, two more appear. But even with how busy I am, I have caught myself wasting time on things that don’t add any real value.
Let me give a real example, one Saturday, I had planned to clean my room, finish a write, up for a community project, and also check in on my younger brother who was struggling with his studies. Simple plans, not even that much. But somehow, I spent over two hours watching random YouTube videos. Not even useful ones, just stuff like people trying weird foods or ranking superhero movies. I laughed, sure. I was entertained. But by the end of the day, the room was still dirty, my write up wasn’t done, and I had no time left for my brother. I felt so disappointed in myself. That was was when I realised time is not just about how busy we are, it’s about what we’re busy with.
People say 24 hours is enough. Honestly? It depends. For someone with structure and focus, 24 hours is more than enough. But for someone who lets distractions sneak in, even 48 hours wouldn’t be enough. I have been on both sides.
These days, I try to do things differently. I write down my top three priorities for the day. Not ten, not twenty, just three. I tell myself, “If you can complete these three, you’ve had a good day.” This simple method has helped me reduce that overwhelming feeling I used to get from long lists. It also forces me to be honest about what really matters.
When I do finish everything I’ve planned, I use my free time to check in on my loved ones, read something useful or just relax quietly. I’ve found that silence can be productive too. Sometimes we’re so caught up in the noise of life that we forget how refreshing it is to just sit still.
Now let’s talk about time-wasters. For me, social media tops the list. Not social media in general, but those moments when I just scroll without purpose. Another one is trying to please everybody. I used to attend every gathering, reply to every message instantly, take on every request. But I’ve learned to say “no” to things that eat into my time without giving me anything back. It doesn’t make me selfish, it makes me wiser.
I’ve also stopped watching too many movies in a row. I can enjoy one now and then, but spending a whole afternoon watching films while ignoring what really matters? That’s a no for me now.
One thing I’ve started doing that has helped me a lot is morning reflection. Before I touch my phone or do anything, I just sit for 10 minutes and ask myself “What do you want today to look like?” This small act changes everything. It shifts my mind from autopilot to intentional mode.
Time is something we can’t control, but how we use it is 100% our choice. I’m still learning, still failing sometimes, but I’m more aware now than I’ve ever been.
So if you’re like me, a busy person trying to balance everything, ask yourself: Are you just busy, or are you being productive? Is your time going into things that build you, or just things that pass the time?
I’ve learned that real growth happens in how we use the small hours. Not just the big moments or achievements, but in the quiet decisions we make every day. That’s where progress hides.
