Time 

What is time for us?  

Time is an limited resource becouse every one of us has a finite almount of time in life. We all have certain almount of seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months and years in our lifetime and once it has passed, we can’t get it back. That’s why it is essential to use the time we have wisely and to do things we actually want to do and enjoy our life to fullest. The limited nature of time also means that we must prioritize our activities and make choises that we think are the best for us in that exact moment or possibly for the future. Every decition we make requires a trade-off since we can’t multitask everything. We cannot do everything we want in the time available for us. For example, if we spend time by playing on playstation, we cannot use that time to exercise, spend time with our families or pursue other personal interest. Entrepreneurs might be using all of their time developing the company and trade the time with spending time with their family.  

On his deathbed, my grandfather told me a sentence that got stuck to my head. “It fucking sucks that l’ve saved money my entire life and never had the time to use it”. He worked all of his life and did not have the time to enjoy the fruits it gave. He regretted that he did not have enough time. According to the guardian and mindbodygreen articles, one of the most common regrets when dying, is working too hard and much, and by that neglet the time with family. What would you regret when dying? Could we already think about those things and manage our time better? (Bluerock, 2020. Steiner, 2012).  

Time is finite, it is precious and most valuable asset we have. We must use it wisely in order to make us happy, achieve our goals, make the most out of our lifes, pursue our dreams and fullfill our potential. This is why time management skills are essential for each of us.  

Altough time management is important for everyone, it is crucial for entrepreneurs. That is why this essay is more focused on entrepreneurs, but the same principals can be implemented on everything.  

Time management for entrepreneurs 

In today’s fast-paced business world, time management has become more important than ever for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs take the responsibility for every aspect of their business, including planning and executing strategies, leading meetings, managing employees, and meeting new clients. However, this workload can often become overwhelming, leading to a feeling of being unable to complete tasks effectively and on time and even cause burnout. Such feelings can reduce efficiency and productivity, ultimately impacting the success of the business. In order to ensure the smooth functioning of their business, busy entrepreneurs need to understand efficient time management skills. Despite having a packed schedule, it is essential for business leaders to allocate the appropriate amount of time to each task. (Kohlback 2022) 

First of all, we should change the way we think about time. Regardless of our status or situation, we are all given the same amount of time in a day and week. Whether it is a wealthy individual like Donald Trump, Warren Buffet, or a single parent, the quantity of time they have is the same. No one can magically increase the number of hours they have in a day or week. We all have 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week.  

The amount of time each person has in a day or week is the same, but what differs is how they choose to use that time. Entrepreneurs, regardless of their individual responsibilities, must take control of their time to ensure the smooth functioning of their business. The first step is to change how they think about time. The phrase “I didn’t have time” should be eliminated since it is not a valid excuse. Instead, they should say, “I chose not to make it a priority” to take responsibility for their actions. This change in language can also improve their professional time management skills. While it may be difficult to break the habit, entrepreneurs can start by surrounding themselves with reminders and positive content, seeking out mentors, and committing to improving their time management skills. If you wonder how some people just have the time to do everything and you dont, maybe it is time to start to think about priorities. We as humans are ready to do whatever we can if we just want to. It is all about priorities. (Markland 2019) 

Good tips to start practising priorizising, is setting three key tasks for the day, creating a mourning routine where you prioritize the tasks for today and eliminate all of the time wasting distractions (Snapchat, pornhub and facebook) while in work.  

Secondly, you must understand the principle that time is elastic. Altough time is same for all of us, we can adjust it according to our priorities. Laura Vanderkam put it into words well in her TEDtalk about how to gain control of your free time. “ When we focus on what matters, we can build the lives we want in the time we’ve got”. (Vanderkam 2016). Time can always be adjusted according to the company’s priorities. Planning the workday with using milestones and small tasks, might help you to move towards your’s or the company’s goals. (Markland 2019) 

Thirdly, implement the principle of intentional attention.  

The principle of intentional attention refers to the concept of deliberately focusing your attention on a particular task or activity, while avoiding distractions and other stimulation that may hinder your productivity. It involves the ability to stay mentally present and engaged in the task at hand, without allowing your mind to wander or become preoccupied with other concerns. 

The principle of intentional attention is based on the idea that our ability to concentrate and stay focused is a finite resource that can be depleted over time, much like a muscle that becomes tired and worn out after long time use. By consciously directing our attention to specific tasks or activities, we can better manage our mental resources and maximize our productivity and effectiveness. (Wax 2009)  

Fully committing oneself to being attentive in a moment, such as a conversation with an employee or in an environment like a team meeting, is crucial. Being physically present in a situation does not mean the same with being engaged, as there is a significant difference between the two. This concept of being mindful and aware of where one’s attention lies is known as “intentional attention”. To apply this principle, it is necessary to disconnect from distractions such as phones and smartwatches when spending time with family or entertaining clients. When working, focus fully on the task at hand. Leave your phone to other room or turn it off. As an entrepreneur, it is essential to dedicate daily time to both family and work, while also prioritizing business needs. 

To further support time management, setting clear rules on when to disconnect from technology and focus on work is essential for entrepreneurs, executives, leaders, and parents alike. Additionally, daily meditation without any distractions such as phones or music for at least five minutes is recommended by Markland. 

Remember that effective time management takes time, and it is essential to strive for progress instead of perfection. Implementing these strategies can help make it easier to balance different aspects of life while also staying focused on personal and professional growth. (Markland 2019) 

Conclusion 

Time is a finite resource that is essential for us to manage wisely. We all have the same amount of time in a day and week, but how we choose to use that time determines the quality of our lives. For entrepreneurs, time management is crucial for success, as their workload can become overwhelming and lead to burnout. To manage time effectively, entrepreneurs must prioritize tasks, change how they think about time, understand that time is elastic and can be adjusted according to priorities, and implement the principle of intentional attention. With good time management skills, entrepreneurs can ensure the smooth functioning of their businesses, achieve their goals, and ultimately, lead happy and fulfilling lives. 

References 

Bluerock. G. 2020. 9 Most common regrets people have at the end of life. Read on 26.4.2023 

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-most-common-regrets-people-have-at-the-end-of-life 

Kohlback. J. 2022. Three important time management skills for entrepreneurs. Read on 24.4.2023 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2022/04/05/three-important-time-management-skills-for-entrepreneurs/?sh=4789e6cc472d 

Markland. D. Time-management strategies for entrepreneurs and executives. Read on 24.4.2023 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2019/09/06/time-management-strategies-for-entrepreneurs-and-executives/?sh=48c836c86b36 

Steiner. S. 2012. Top five regrets when dying. Read on 24.4.2023 

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying 

Vanderkam. L. 2016. How to gain control of your free time. Listened on 24.4.2023 

Laura Vanderkam: How to gain control of your free time 

Wax. D. 2009. The power of intentional attention. Read on 24.4.2023 

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/the-power-of-intentional-attention.html