Time Management

By Yeo Wee Kwong

24 hours are distributed equally to everybody. The matter is the way we manage our time either systematic or poorly. Generally, time management in Malaysia is considered as poor and thus come out with the “Malaysian style”. Why do I say so? It can be seen through the wedding ceremony. For example, the wedding ceremony is supposed to be started at 8.00pm. But it is started half an hour late. Besides that, the late arrival of VIP to particular ceremony has become a tradition in most of the country. Is “Malaysian style” a tradition or problem arises in our country?

In my opinion, I think that it may become a problem when Malaysians deal with the foreign people. Foreign people such as Japanese and Americans are very strict and highly concern about punctuation. If Malaysians still holding the “Malaysian style”, dealing of business or trading with foreigners will face many problems. Being late is actually a waste of time. Not for the person who is not punctual, but the one who is waiting for. Besides, punctuation is important for our life when we are attending certain classes or going for work. If you are not punctual, you may be fired!

Personally, my time management is considered good enough because I don’t like the feeling of waiting. And thus, I will not let people waiting for me due to my lateness. How I manage my own time? Firstly, a good planning skill is required. You have to plan your activities well. Make sure that there is no crushing of time in your timetable. Self-discipline is the second criteria for punctuality. Earlier preparation is encouraged before you going for an appointment. For example, forty-five minutes before the wedding ceremony starts. Thus, you can attend to the ceremony in time. Besides, time awareness is very crucial too. You have to be awared that time is going on seconds by seconds. Make sure that you are not wasting your time on useless and meaningless events such as loitering around the shopping complex, playing computer games and so on.

So, something has to be done on the weak time management among the Malaysians. Parents play an important role to solve this problem. Initially, parents should be a role model for their children to follow to. If they are punctual, same as the children too. Indirectly, the habits of punctuality will slowly be cultivated among the youngster. In addition, parents can adjust all the clocks with 15 minutes earlier than the actual time. What is the purpose of doing so? It is to prevent their children from being late because they will certainly leave for their destination 15 minutes earlier.

Many efforts have to be done to insert punctuality among the Malaysians. Although it seems to be impossible, we have to aware that “procrastination is a theft of time”. Time will never come back as you lose it.