Time. It’s the one resource we all share equally. 24 hours in a day. 7 days in a week. 365 days in a year. But how we use it makes all the difference between a life of progress and a life of regret.
This morning, I had a moment of uncomfortable self-awareness. I looked back over the past few years, and a question echoed in my mind:
“Have I truly made progress since 2020?”
And the honest answer? No, not enough.
Here’s my story, and why I’m writing this: so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Let’s Take It Back: The Year 2020
Remember 2020? The year COVID-19 struck like a lightning bolt and turned the world upside down.
The global pandemic forced businesses to shut down. Streets were empty. We all stayed indoors, uncertain of what the future held.
For most people, life came to a pause. But here’s the thing: while the world stood still, time didn’t. Days turned into weeks. Weeks melted into months. And before we knew it, an entire year was gone.
Now, five years later, I find myself asking:
What have I done with that time? Have I grown? Or have I let precious years slip through my fingers?
The Bitter Reality of Wasted Time
The truth is hard to admit. But I need to say it out loud, I misused my time.
Back in 2016, I was full of ambition. I printed out stacks of documents to begin my journey as a frontend developer. I told myself I was ready to take on the world of programming.
But then came the excuses:
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“I’ll start tomorrow.”
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“I still have time, I’m young.”
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“Let me wait until I’m fully prepared.”
Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. And now, almost a decade later, I still can’t confidently say I’m skilled in programming.
It wasn’t because I didn’t know what I wanted. It wasn’t because I lacked resources. It was because I allowed procrastination and comfort to lull me into believing there was always more time.
The Cost of Procrastination
Procrastination is seductive. It whispers:
“Relax, you have time.”
But here’s the harsh truth:
You don’t.
Time doesn’t wait for motivation. It doesn’t care about your excuses or your age. Whether you use it wisely or not, it keeps ticking.
Every hour wasted is an hour you’ll never get back. Every day you postpone action, someone else is moving forward, building, growing.
What I’ve Learned About Time
Looking back, here’s what I’ve learned, lessons I wish I embraced earlier:
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Small Steps Matter
You don’t need to make giant leaps every day. Even small shifts, like rearranging your desk, writing one paragraph, or learning one new concept, create momentum. -
Consistency Over Perfection
Waiting for the “perfect time” is a trap. Progress comes from consistent effort, not perfect conditions. -
Intentional Living is Everything
You don’t have to figure out your entire life today. But you do have to start. A little shift every single day compounds into something extraordinary over time.
A Wake-Up Call: Start Now
This isn’t just a blog post, it’s a wake-up call. For you, and for me.
If you’re reading this, I want you to take a moment to reflect:
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What goals have you been putting off?
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What dreams are sitting idle because you’re “waiting for the right time”?
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How will your life look 5 years from now if you keep waiting?
The truth is sobering: we don’t have time to waste.
Start small. Start messy. But start today.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to change your life overnight. Great things are built brick by brick. But you have to lay the first brick.
Remember:
A little shift every day builds an empire.
Don’t be like me, don’t look back in five years and wish you had started sooner.
You don’t have time. Make use of it. Build. Grow. Become.