Use time wisely (PART ONE)

I was thinking about the importance of time while we are living on the earth. The Apostle Paul said, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” (Ephesians 1: 10 in the Bible)

The dispensation of the fulness of times is our present time to prepare for the second coming of the Savior to the earth. The Apostle Paul also said, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6: 9-10 in the Bible)

Another ancient prophet said, “…therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; ”

(Alma 12: 24 p. 239 in the Book of Mormon) The Savior also said, “…Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known.” (Doctrine And Covenants 60: 13 p. 111)

Recently I read an article by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that gives suggestions of how to use our time wisely. I quote that article below.

How to Make the Clock Work in Your Favor

We’ve all watched the seconds tick away at a sporting event. If the game is close, it takes some clock management by the players to make sure a lead is preserved or a deficit is overcome. Our days are not much different.

We have only so much time, and whether we are behind or ahead, it takes deliberate action to make the most of the minutes we have. When we talk about using time wisely, a good place to start is setting priorities. By getting the most important things done first, we start our day with a victory, but how do we know what things are most important?

What matters Most

Happy, successful people balance their time based on what’s most important in their life, not just in their career. They set goals based on the kind of person they want to be rather than what they want to check off their bucket list. The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself: “Why do I wake up in the morning?”

“What core values drive me? A secure family? A strong relationship? An opportunity to make our world better? A chance to become more like the person God intended me to be?”

Answering a few introspective questions not only makes it easier to set our priorities but also gives us a stronger sense of well-being. That may shift our first task of the day from answering emails to reading scriptures or listening to inspiring podcasts and praying for daily guidance.

It will influence whether or not we exercise or make that healthy smoothie—because exercise makes us feel better, and so does helping others, and so does telling somebody you think the world of them, and so does hugging someone you love. Sounds like there’s not a lot of time left to do the day’s real work.

Think of it this way: if your heart is right, everything else will follow. So when you make up that daily task list, you’ll know which activities to eliminate, which to delegate, and which to schedule.

If your Heart is Right, Everything Else Will Follow

Now let’s fill in the boxes. What do I do to take care of myself so that I am happy, productive, and fulfilled?

Morning: Pray. Read. Express gratitude. Exercise. Eat right.

Morning at work: Start with the most pressing tasks that only you can do. If something can be delegated to a team member, set time aside to clarify the objectives with that team member. Now the wheels are spinning. You are locked in on what you have to get done, and other work on your list is also getting done.

I will continue this article on Use Time Wisely next week.

To get a copy of the article call (231) 383-8359 or send an email [email protected].