Time is as precious as gold! Dr Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul, a professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) who specializes in Human Resource Management and Organisational Management, wants us to think about how valuable time is.
He says that in today’s fast-paced world, once time is gone, we can’t get it back. These thoughts of his were recently shared in ‘Tabula Rasa,’ a column in Dewan Masyarakat, a magazine published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
He emphasized that time, unlike other resources, doesn’t require money to obtain, yet it holds the most value, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
“In our daily lives, we often witness people who deeply regret not making the most of their past moments, wishing they could turn back time. Some folks feel immense stress as they watch time slip away without notice.
“Thoughts swirl in their heads: Why didn’t I act differently in the past? If only I could rewind the clock… Why did I miss out on opportunities right in front of me? How did I squander the past and end up here? But, as the old saying goes, ‘what’s done is done.’ No amount of tears or sorrow, not even tears of blood, can reverse lost time,” he expressed.
Dr Zafir, a professor and the Dean of UKM’s Graduate School of Business, expressed the importance of time by referring to the Malay saying ‘masa itu emas’ (time is gold).
He highlighted that although we can’t change the past, the experiences it offers should motivate us to make the most of our present moments. Whether young or old, it’s crucial to use our time wisely and purposefully.
He thought that how we manage our time now plays a huge role in whether we succeed or fail in our personal and professional lives.
When it comes to work, he believed that we need to make the most of the eight hours we have each day to get our tasks done efficiently.
He explained that the way we work today is tougher than before. With constant communication through social media, tasks can quickly pile up, making it hard to finish everything on time.
Because of this, many workers find themselves putting in extra hours to keep up. Changes in how we work, like moving towards service-based jobs and relying more on technology, have made workdays longer. People can even work from home, thanks to technology, blurring the lines between work and personal time.
He emphasized that the time we spend working, including our tasks, extra duties, and even our commute, is crucial for both our jobs and our overall well-being.
Dr Zafir cautions that working long hours, although sometimes unavoidable, can harm health and productivity.
He explained that research indicates that pushing through extended periods without adequate rest can result in fatigue and stress. This not only negatively impacts the individual but also affects how well they can get things done.
Dr Zafir pointed out that the problem isn’t just about not having enough time but also about the interruptions and diversions during the workday.
He mentioned that some employees find it hard to manage their workload, while others waste time on social media. This raises the important question: Are we making the best use of our time?
Although putting in extra hours might seem like a sign of commitment and efficiency, Dr Zafir highlighted that over time can drive up costs for organizations and pose serious health risks.
He stressed that simply working long hours doesn’t automatically mean being more productive. Achieving excellence and efficiency can still happen within regular work hours.
Dr Zafir emphasised that effective time management and thoughtful planning can help make the most of the time available.
People adept at managing time in their professional or personal lives, often feel more at peace and enjoy life more fully. He encouraged everyone to value each moment instead of blaming time for human failings.
