Time is Ticking – Make Every Moment Count

Hello, everyone! ??

I am happy to welcome you to the 8th edition of our newsletter series. Whether you have been with us from the beginning or reading it for the first time, I am so grateful you’re here. Together, we are building a community dedicated to exploring ideas that help us lead more balanced, fulfilling lives. ??

In our last newsletter, “A New Year, A New Chapter,” we reflected upon setting intentions instead of rigid resolutions. One key takeaway was choosing a guiding word for the year—something to ground and inspire you throughout. Did you choose yours? Mine is Perseverance which means Staying focused and trying to achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that impacts every single one of us: Time.

Time is our most precious resource, something we can’t earn more of, yet it often feels like it slips through our fingers. But what if we could change that? What if instead of just managing time, we learned to value it?

Why Time Feels Slippery

Let’s be honest—how often have you caught yourself saying, “I don’t have enough time”? The truth is, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. The difference lies in how we use them.

Here are a few common reasons time often feels like a luxury we can’t afford:

1?? Procrastination: The silent thief of time. We delay tasks, thinking we’ll get to them later, only to realize “later” arrives faster than we expect.

2?? Over commitment: Saying “yes” to too many things can leave us overwhelmed and stretched too thin.

3?? Distractions: Whether it’s endless scrolling on social media or constant notifications, distractions can eat up hours without us realizing it.

4?? Perfectionism: Waiting for the “perfect moment” or trying to do something flawlessly can paralyze us from even starting.

Does any of this resonate with you? You’re not alone—I’ve been there too. The good news? There are simple strategies to reclaim your time and make it work for you.

How to Take Back Your Time

Let me tell you one thing about time: it is not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. Let’s explore some action steps you can start taking from today:

1. The Two-Minute Rule

If any task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Reply to that email, schedule that meeting or put away the laundry. Small tasks left undone pile up, creating mental clutter. This rule keeps things moving and clears your mind and physical space.

2. Time Blocking

Set aside dedicated time slots for specific activities. For example, reserve your mornings for deep work and afternoons for meetings or lighter tasks. Time blocking helps you stay focused and reduces decision fatigue.

3. Set Boundaries with Distractions

Turn off notifications during focused work hours. Create a “distraction-free” zone where your mind can stay sharp and focused. Trust me, the world will still be there when you finish.

4. Break Big Tasks into Smaller Ones

Feeling overwhelmed by a large project? Divide it into manageable steps. For instance, instead of “Write the report,” try “Draft the introduction today” and “Complete the analysis tomorrow.”

5. The Power of ‘No’

Sometimes, the best way to honor your time is to say “no” to things that do not align with your commitments and goals. Ask yourself, for that every yes, to what you said no to. Is it worth it?

A Personal Story About Time

I'm going to share my experience with you. A few years ago, I found myself constantly overwhelmed. The days felt like a never-ending race, and by the end of the day, I was drained. That’s when I decided to implement a simple practice I now call the Sunday Reset Ritual.

Every Sunday evening, I spend 30 minutes planning my week. I write down my top three priorities, allocate time blocks for them and even schedule “me-time.” This habit has been a game-changer. Not only do I feel more in control, but I also find myself achieving more by doing less.

If you’re feeling scattered, try this. It doesn’t have to be a Sunday—it can be any day that suits you, give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and plan.

Time and Emotional Fulfillment

Let’s shift gears for a moment. Time is not only about getting things done; it's also about living meaningfully.?

Think about this:

• When was the last time you spent uninterrupted time with a loved one?
• How often do you pause to truly savour a moment—a sunrise, a meal and maybe a laugh?

Sometimes, it's the quiet, unplanned moments that matter the most. Time blocking shouldn’t just be for tasks; it should also be used for joy, connection and rest. After all, what’s the point of being busy if you’re not fulfilled?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from you:

• What’s one thing you’ve been procrastinating on that you’ll commit to tackling this week?
• Do you have a time management strategy that works wonders for you?
• How do you ensure your time is spent on what truly matters?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your insights might just inspire someone else to take back control of their time.

(In our next newsletter, we’ll explore Nurturing Relationships. Whether it’s your relationship with family, friends, colleagues or even yourself. Building meaningful connections is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. You won’t want to miss it!)

Time is precious, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about squeezing more into your day—it’s about making room for what counts. With small changes and intentional effort, you can make every second work for you.

Thank you for choosing to spend your time here with me. Let’s continue this journey, one moment at a time.

Warmly,

Dr. Gurminder Rawal

Founder, Mantranaa ?

P.S. If this newsletter resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a little reminder to value their time. Together, let’s create a ripple of positive change. ???