There’s a lot of truth in the old saying, “Time is gold.” There never seems to be enough time. Even if a day had thirty hours, it would still not be enough. One way or another, there’ll be something or other crop up, and you finish up needing even more time. Time is a valuable resource. You cannot get back time that has gone. Time always flies when you’re very busy. Conversely, when you are quiet, time apparently stands still. Even more so, when in a situation like waiting for a flight, when you have no option but to kill time. How, then, can we make best use of our time? The following options should be considered:

1.Check your schedule at the start of the day. Be sure to review the whole thing. You might find that although part of the day is very busy, another part is not. Distribute your activities evenly throughout the day. To keep your schedule on track, have a notepad to hand. It also helps to remind you of your tasks and commitments. Overlapping can be avoided by using pads, or schedule notebooks. Where overlaps are unavoidable, you have to prioritise the activities. Decide which has the higher priority If, after spreading the tasks through the day, you still have too many tasks to get through for one day, then you should reschedule them for another day. Don’t be afraid to forego something where possible. Re-schedule other tasks for another day. What you are actually doing is very much like cleaning a closet. When your closet is in order, you avoid being accidentally hit on the head by falling objects upon opening its door. In addition, you might even find more space if the closet is tidier.

2. Request for a re-schedule in advance. Where somebody else is affected this takes on extra importance. Show courtesy by doing this in advance. This leaves time for the person to adjust to the new schedule. Who knows? You may be doing the other parties a favor. They may be in the same predicament as you are, and they will not be aware unless you make it known to them.

3. You can practise some simple creativity with time; for instance, say you have to do your laundry, but at the same time you have the shopping also. Set the machine to run while you’re at the supermarket and you can have the groceries bought and be back home in time for when the washing machine is finished. You can even do the cooking at the same time by using a slow cooker. It cooks food by itself. There might even be time to pick the kids up from school after your shopping. Four tasks are combined to one. All it takes is scheduling and a little creativity.

4. If you’re tackling something for the first time it’s likely there will be a mistake or two. However, a first time task doesn’t have to be a blunder. If there is no clear direction on how things should be done, take time to plan it out before you take action. This saves time, energy, and money.

5. Can you visualise the outcome of your objective? Consider the alternatives, if any. Choose the better of two or more alternatives. If there is only one option, do it just the same. Some tasks may appear difficult when you think about it, but not necessarily when put into action. The same thing is true the other way around. You can never have enough time. You become wise when you choose to maximize it.

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