They say there are different strokes for different folks, and they're dead right. Each of us is different - we think differently, act differently, differ in likes and dislikes, and so on and so forth. Whatever we do, whatever mistakes we make, whatever realities we come across, we have to keep learning. Learning from our actions, emotions and behavior is a positive step, which can help us lead better lives in the future.



There are many armchair teachers who always keep advising people not to look back and ponder. Well, they're wrong - time is the only teacher and you're its favorite student, so you have to learn, come what may. About those armchair teachers - forget about them: After all they don't say, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach", for nothing!

Mismanagement of time can really set you back by a truckload of hours. By the time you get back to the task, it's too late - So, time management is essential. The trick is to keep probing yourself with nagging questions. Once you have set up your time management goals and strategies, you need to ask yourself: (i) Are my goals realistic? (ii) Am I capable of achieving these goals?, and (iii) How can I go about achieving my goals successfully and tasting success at the end of it all?

Posing questions on time management can help you refine strategies or even re-strategize. Even asking for help and support from friends, relations, colleagues and the community can help you manage your time well. When time is managed well, you can experience success and a sense of fulfillment.

Understand, most of us aren't self-made - we need some kind of help and support at some points in our life. But, you can ask for help only when you question yourself first and find that you don't have the answers.

When a man questions himself, he sort of attains realization because seeking answers that lie within oneself is a therapeutic exercise! Let's take an example: Let's assume you are scheduled to marry in December, and it is now June. What questions must you ask yourself for such a momentous, happy occasion that's coming at you in a short span of time? You must ask yourself: (i) Is the timing right? (ii) Am I ready for marriage? (iii) Can I handle the marriage formalities alone or will I need help? (iv) What are the pre-nuptial formalities I must attend to in time? Also ask yourself questions related to the event that can help you plan for contingencies and save both time and money in the bargain. It's easy to commit to an event, but it's hard to see it through if you don't time your actions (leading to the event) right.

Many people do not bother probing themselves - the result is that both time and money are wasted, and sometimes relationships are ruined due to lack of foresight. Do you know why people don't ask questions? - It is because of their ego. They feel asking questions and seeking help will belittle them. Well, ego is bad! It is true that everyone has his own pride - however, such pride should not be converted into ego. Frankness, transparency, controlling one's ego, and honesty can really help in time management.

When it comes to time management, you have to keep things simple. Tie them up in knots and they'll tie you up in "nots". The term "simple" in time management denotes a practical, effective approach. It means that after one has set his goals, he has to chart a roadmap to achieve them - a road that is simple and straight, and not long-winded, curvy or one that ends in a dead end.

Both the goals and the plan must be simple and straightforward. Sure, along the way doubts may creep in, but these can be resolved if the plan is practical and has taken contingencies into account. People involved in the plan may also make mistakes, but a prudent plan always provides for errors. Of course, if nature intervenes and spoils the party, there is nothing you can do.

Every plan has its shares of flaws, but a practical plan always assumes it has in-built flaws and provides time for fixing them. To manage time effectively, you have to set goals, ask yourself questions, play your part to the hilt and enjoy the results. If the results are good, that's great going. If they are not as intended, then you must not lose heart.

To conclude, life is too short to waste any time. Wasting time is akin to wasting money, so you must learn to respect time by learning the basics of time management. People who kill time needlessly are killed by time. Time is the big boss - it controls everything. So get down to time management and make a great plan. Good luck.