Beyond Seconds: Mastering the Art of Time

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives” Annie Dillard, Author

“Keep calm, 50 is the new 30!”

As someone who embarked on his 50s a couple of years ago, I cannot deny the allure of this saying. In the 1900s, the average life expectancy of a newborn was a mere 32 years. However, as of 2024, the global average stands at around 70 years, demonstrating a consistent upward trend. Over the centuries, a wide range of advances—notably in nutrition, sanitation, and medicine—has improved our living standards, granting us extended lifespans. Projections suggest that by 2050, there will be a staggering 3.7 million centenarians globally—a stark increase from the 451,000 recorded in 2015.

We undoubtedly outlived our predecessors, and it's highly probable that our children will outlive us as well. As our time on this unique planet extends steadily, it makes me ponder: does quantity take precedence over quality?

The puzzle of time

As humanity, one of our deepest desires is to live a long, fulfilled, and happy life. You Only Live Once (YOLO), as they say. Or Carpe Diem—Seize the Day—echoes through generations. The essence of existence puts pressure on us to seize each fleeting moment and live it to the fullest.

Lately, I've been contemplating this notion a lot. Juggling multiple projects at work, carving out quality time for my family, and finding moments to reconnect with myself and to introspect—it sometimes feels as though I am living three lifetimes within one.

No doubt, we all often hear individuals lamenting the scarcity of time for their passions and pursuits. Each of us has 24 hours in a day. Yet, while some seem to effortlessly master these 24 hours, others grapple with its elusiveness. Is it truly possible to learn how to be intentional in managing time?

A personal path

When it comes to time management, it seems everyone has their own system: some of us rely on meticulously crafted to-do lists, while others use colorful sticky notes for organization. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who thrive in the spontaneity of the moment, living life as it comes.

The methods may differ, but we all agree the significance of effectively organizing one's time, particularly for work. In a 2022 study, participants highlighted the benefits of this: 91% believed that better organizational skills would help alleviate workplace stress, 90% stated that it would increase productivity, and 74% recognized its potential to nurture stronger interpersonal relationships. The collective agreement on its value is indisputable. However, the true challenge lies in the pursuit of sustainable methods tailored to individual needs.

For me, time well spent is defined by meaningful experiences that enrich my journey. My days of fishing alongside fishermen in Büyükada, İstanbul instilled in me a profound love for the sea. Working in Istanbul's iconic Grand Bazaar taught me invaluable lessons on assertiveness and the nuances of interpersonal dynamics. My 8 days of solitude walking across the breathtaking Antarctic plateau, devoid of any outer connection, humbled me, reminding me of how small we are on this planet and how little we know its boundless mysteries.

In hindsight, every single moment I invested in these experiences was time well spent for me. These pursuits may appear futile to some, but I hold them dear, acknowledging the diversity of human preferences. To effectively harness time, we must first explore our relationship with this invaluable resource and determine how we truly wish to allocate it.

The ever-growing shadow of social media

In today’s distracted world, it is hard to hold on to what matters to us. We are just a click away from distractions. Constant notifications and the endless stream of content on social platforms could be highly distractive, serving as an obstacle to focus. Consider this: on average, people check their phone 96 times a day, meaning we reach for our devices approximately every 10 minutes. What begins as a quick check-in can turn into hours of aimless scrolling, leaving little time for more meaningful or productive activities, at least the ones we actually wish to engage in.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with my colleagues who joined our organization—an event that I highly cherish. Among all the inquiries I received, questions about time and the fear of missing out (FOMO) stood out, especially from younger generations who grew up in the age of digitalization. My answer was simple: Turn off your notifications and don’t feel sorry for what you missed. Channel your energy into endless possibilities. After all, it is not possible to turn back the clock, so why dwell on instances you can’t reverse?!

Navigating priorities

In our daily lives, we are often inundated with various responsibilities, ranging from mundane tasks such as deciding what to eat for lunch to overseeing complex projects at work. However, not every task is urgent or equally significant. If you find prioritization challenging, consider using tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix—a framework attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, designed to categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Alternatively, those grappling with procrastination or difficulty in maintaining focus can give a try to the Pomodoro Technique—a method based on 25-minute intervals of focused work, followed by 5-minute breaks. Remarkably, up to 60% of individuals who have embraced such techniques report a heightened sense of control over their daily tasks, leading to productivity and efficiency. Personally, I have benefited a lot from applications, which have proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of modern life.

For leaders, particularly those who struggle with time, the key lies in building the right team, empowering them to make decisions and take responsibility. Leaders need not, and cannot, know everything. Instead, it's essential to allow subject matter experts to excel in their respective roles.

The balance

As we strive to live a better life, it is imperative to strike the right balance. While I am a strong advocate for personal growth, I am aware of how draining and overwhelming this relentless ambition can be, particularly in moments of stagnation. In pursuit of effective time management, we derive lessons from the past and set our sights on the future, often neglecting the present moment and forfeiting the true joy of a tranquil mind. In doing so, we can easily fail to notice the blessings in our lives and find ourselves spiraling into despair. Constantly driving ourselves towards improvement can blind us to the simple pleasures of the here and now.

We naturally take actions today with the intention of reaping future benefits. However, what we should prioritize is the present moment. Engage in activities like cooking with your family for a special occasion, ensuring your mind remains fully present with your loved ones instead of drifting to next week's presentation. Alternatively, take a walk in nature and truly immerse yourself in your surroundings. Undoubtedly, we must work for a better life, but it's crucial that our work doesn’t consume every aspect of our existence. Indeed, balance always emerges as the cornerstone of a life well-lived.

We can spend 80, 90 or even 100 years on this beautiful planet, yet the measure of our existence extends beyond numbers. Each individual carves their own unique path, finding fulfilment in experiences that resonate with their essence.

Ultimately, time is an arbitrary and abstract measure. Its value hinges entirely on the manner in which we choose to invest it.