"Nous avons toujours assez de temps, si nous voulons bien l'utiliser correctement"

The essence of this quote is that we often feel like we don't have enough time, but the reality is that we usually have enough time if we manage and utilize it properly. Think about how many moments you might spend scrolling through social media or binge-watching a show. Those chunks of time could be directed towards something more productive or meaningful.

This idea isn't new. It's been echoed by countless time-management gurus and philosophers throughout history. The quote itself comes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesman from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Goethe was known for his keen observations on human behavior, and he recognized that people often squander the time they have, only to lament its lack later.

Let's look at a modern example. Take Sarah, a young professional. She often complains about not having enough time to exercise, read, or pursue a hobby. Yet, when she reflects on her day, she realizes that she spends an hour every morning on her phone, and another couple of hours at night watching TV. If Sarah reallocated even half of that time, she could easily fit in a 30-minute workout, read a few chapters of a book, and maybe even start learning to play the guitar.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Start by tracking your time. For a week, jot down how you spend every hour. It might seem tedious, but it can be eye-opening. You'll probably find pockets of time that could be better used. Next, prioritize. What's important to you? What activities bring you joy or help you grow? Focus your time on these. Finally, set boundaries. If your phone is a distraction, set specific times to check it. You'd be amazed how much time you'll find when you're not constantly interrupted.

Imagine you're a college student named Mike. Mike has a paper due in a week, but he also wants to hang out with friends, play video games, and get some extra sleep. He feels overwhelmed, thinking there's no way to get it all done. But then he decides to really look at his schedule. He notices that he usually spends about two hours a day mindlessly browsing the internet. If Mike cuts that time in half, he gains an extra hour daily for his paper. In a week, that's seven additional hours—plenty of time to research and write without sacrificing his social life or sleep.

By using his time wisely, Mike discovers he actually has more than enough time. And the same can be true for all of us. It's all about making deliberate choices and being mindful of how we spend our minutes. We don't need more time; we just need to use the time we have in ways that align with our goals and values. So next time you catch yourself saying, "I don't have time," think of Sarah and Mike. Reassess your schedule, prioritize your activities, and take control of your time. You might be surprised at how much you actually have.