Time Management is a crucial skill for Top Achievers

When you don’t consciously decide what to do with your time, others will make the decision for you.

Back in 2009, I was in my first year at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), pursuing a BA in Development Studies. That year taught me a lot about valuing my time and making intentional choices.

My Challenges in First Year

I felt quite inferior, particularly during my first year for the following reasons: 

• It was my first time in Johannesburg, having grown up in rural Limpopo. The transition was intimidating, especially because English wasn’t my strongest language.

• I felt out of place, with little in common with my peers in terms of family background and lifestyle.

• I realised that being part of a group could mean losing my own voice and being easily influenced.

How I Spent My Time

I chose to spend my free time alone, either at the pond or in the library. I quickly saw how time was often wasted on things that didn’t align with my goals. I remember thinking how my limited time on campus would be wasted by accompanying a friend to Campus Square Mall for window shopping. Meanwhile, the only time I would likely ask for company was when I went to the student cafeteria, which took less than five minutes. The imbalance was clear—it simply wasn’t worth my time.

What Drove Me

The fear of being academically excluded was my biggest motivator. For me, failure meant going back to the village and proving to the entire community that I wasn’t cut out for success. That thought alone kept me extremely focused.

So, the real question is, do we value our time enough to spend it building ourselves or do we let others misuse it to accomplish their goals?