WHAT IS TIME AND HOW CAN WE MAKE THE MOST OF IT?

“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”—Charles Darwin

When I read the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the most memorable point to me is his profound understanding of the most indefinable and fleeting of things in life: time.

And for us, he concluded that time is the most powerful instrument of success any person may command. Without doubt, excellent command of time is the single greatest reason for the spectacular and multiple successes of this very great man.

That’s why the inspiring author, Denis Waitley said, “Time is the most precious element of human existence. The successful person knows how to put energy into time and how to draw success from time.”

Come to think of it, our time is not only precious but limited, and even the most limited of all earthly resources; still, it is necessary to achieve all else in this world. For example when you are focused one thing, you are definitely not doing something else, which means whatever it is you are not yet doing—if it is important— you must make time for it whenever you are ready. 

In short, though very limited, we need time to do anything in life.

So if I asked you, “What is the greatest scarcity in the world today?”

“Is it money?” “Is it happiness?” “Is it energy?” 

The simple answer is found in the words of Scot Anderson, the author of, “Think Like a Billionaire, Become a Billionaire.” From his study of billionaires, he concludes:

“A billionaire’s most valuable asset is not his money, nor his house, not even his corporation but it is his time. Time is the only limited resource we all have.”

All those valuables—money, house, corporation, energy and happiness—can be increased by humans if and when they really want to, but the only thing that is absolutely fixed is time; 24-hours in a day and not a second more, no matter what you think and do. So our best chance, therefore, is to make the most of our fixed supply.

It is on this basis that I have brought for you 7 canons of time management from one of the greatest thinkers of the last century: Napoleon Hill.

I hope you can derive worth in adapting these guides to your own life. Enjoy.

NAPOLEON HILL’S 7 COMMITMENTS TO “DOCTOR” TIME.

One, time is my greatest asset, and I shall relate myself to it on a budget system which provides that every second not devoted to sleep shall be used for self-improvement.

Two, I shall regard the loss, through neglect of any portion of my time as a sin for which I must atone by the better use in the future of an equivalent amount of it.

Three, recognizing that I shall reap that which I sow, I shall sow only the seeds of service—with my time—which may benefit others as well as myself, and thereby throw myself—favourably—in the way of the great Law of Compensation.

Four, I shall so use my time in the future that each day will bring me some measure of peace of mind, in the absence of which I shall recognize that the seed I have been sowing needs reexamination.

Five, knowing that my habits of thought become the patterns which attract all the circumstances affecting my life through the lapse of time, I shall keep my mind so busy in connection with the circumstances I desire that no time will be left to devote to fears and frustrations, and the things I do not desire.

Six, recognizing that my allotted time on the earth plane is definite and limited, I shall endeavour in all ways possible to use my portion of it so that those nearest me will benefit by my influence, and be inspired by my example to make the best possible use of their own time.

Finally , when my allotment of time shall have expired, I hope I may leave behind me a monument to my name—not a monument in stone, but in the hearts of my fellowmen—a monument whose marking will testify that the world was made a little better because of my having passed this way.

As I do, I feel that you too now have a better understanding of what time is and how to utilize it for a worthy purpose. So, whenever you find yourself goofing off a bit on any day, please refer to this piece, every time, to get back on track.

Everything we truly want shall be possible the moment we learn to relate ourselves well to the precious agent of all opportunities; the universal doctor of all human ills: the powerful gift of time.