The past couple weeks I’ve been thinking about time management.  I know there are numerous human methods and theories about this; however, I went for some spiritual ideas, that I know to be true and helpful, when I was confronted with this dilemma.

There was a day, recently, when I wondered how I could accomplish all the things that needed to get done. I listened in prayer for divine guidance.  Immediately, an article entitled Improve Your Time by Mary Baker Eddy came to thought.  The author, who discovered the system of healing, Christian Science, wrote:

“All successful individuals have become such by hard work; by improving moments before they pass into hours…They spend no time in sheer idleness, in talking when they have nothing to say, in building aircastles or floating off on the wings of sense…

Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let him make the most of the present.”

I love this idea: that success is dependent on moments – on being consciously aware and focused every moment.

Instead of letting my long to-do list rehearse in my mind, I just focused on improving each moment.  This resulted in my being fully engaged in each activity I was doing and able to stay on task.  I finished the day with time leftover and could work on some other projects I like doing.

Using “improve your moments” as my mantra throughout my day has made me more productive, less lethargic and given me a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.

I am so grateful for this simple practice – improving moments before they turn into hours – which makes such a difference in our lives and shapes our success.