Time and priorities: Taking control in 2026

The start of a new year is always a special moment, several brief pauses between what has been and what could be. For many of us, it is one of those few times of the years when we reflect, a moment to consider our achievements, our setbacks, and the lessons tucked between them. But if there is one universal truth that touches every Nigerian, regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, or circumstance, it is this: time waits for no one.

The minutes, hours, days, and weeks pass quietly and swiftly, yet their impact shapes the trajectory of our lives. How we spend them, what we prioritise, and what we let slip by often defines our growth, our happiness, and our contribution to those around us. We must also remember that every moment is a gift from God, and how we use it matters deeply.

Yet many of us step into a new year with the same recurring challenge. We feel continuously behind, overwhelmed, or scattered. Jobs demand more than we anticipated. Family responsibilities grow heavier. School or career goals loom large. Social obligations multiply. By the time December rolls around, we wonder where the year went, and why we feel we accomplished so little. The truth is simple. We all get the same 24 hours in a day, but how we spend them determines whether the year leaves us richer in experience, achievement, and peace or exhausted, frustrated, and full of “what ifs.”

The key to changing this is clarity of priorities. Time, unlike money, cannot be earned back once it is spent. Understanding what truly matters in your life, what you want to grow, protect, or build, allows you to make choices that are intentional rather than reactive. For a parent, this might mean creating daily windows to nurture and guide children. For a student, it might be setting aside dedicated hours for study, reflection, and skill-building. For a young professional, it may be deciding which career opportunities align with long-term goals rather than immediate convenience or pressure. Even elders, who have seen decades pass, can benefit by directing energy toward leaving a meaningful legacy, mentoring others, or strengthening community bonds. Seeking God’s guidance in making these choices helps us focus on what truly matters and avoid distractions.

Of course, knowing your priorities is only the first step. The bigger challenge is navigating the distractions, interruptions, and demands that fill every day. Social media, endless scrolling, unproductive meetings, overcommitment, and procrastination are traps we all face. They quietly chip away at time and energy, often without us realising it. The solution is not to chase perfection or eliminate every distraction, it is to be deliberate. Protect your high-value hours. Choose what aligns with your goals and let go of the rest. Learn to say “no” with confidence. Remember, every hour spent wisely compounds into meaningful results over time.

Intentional time management is not just a personal matter; it is a pathway to renewal. Each day presents an opportunity to take stock: Are my actions bringing me closer to the life I want to live? Am I investing time in growth, learning, health, and relationships? Am I contributing positively to my community? This form of reflection turns ordinary routines into a series of purposeful steps toward personal and collective improvement. When we make deliberate choices about how to spend our time, even small actions—reading a book, helping a neighbour, practicing a new skill, or simply resting—accumulate to create significant impact over months and years.

What makes this approach truly powerful is its universality. No matter where you live in Nigeria, what faith you practice, or what stage of life you are in, the principles remain the same. Prioritisation, focus, and intentionality are tools everyone can wield. They are not bound by region, culture, or background. They are available to all who are willing to pause, reflect, and act. And when individuals commit to this, the ripple effects reach beyond personal growth. Communities benefit when people invest in themselves, share knowledge, support one another, and act with integrity. A nation grows when its citizens are deliberate in their actions, focused on their potential, and mindful of their responsibilities to others, trusting God to guide their steps.

As we step into this new year, the challenge is clear. Do not let time slip away. Pause. Reflect. Decide what matters most. Then act with purpose. Start by identifying three to five priorities, areas of life that deserve your energy and attention. Guard them fiercely. Revisit them regularly, adjusting as circumstances change. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and use setbacks as lessons rather than excuses.

Ultimately, time is the canvas upon which our lives are painted. We cannot control how fast it moves, but we can control the brushstrokes we make. The new year is not just a number on a calendar, it is an invitation, a chance to take control, shape our priorities, and live with intention. Each hour, each day, each choice matters. When we embrace this mindset and seek God’s guidance along the way, we not only create a life of growth and fulfillment for ourselves, but we also contribute to a society that thrives on deliberate action, resilience, and hope.

This year, let us resolve not to be swept along by the tide of endless tasks, distractions, and pressures. Let us take control of our time, align it with our priorities, and invest it in what truly matters. The hours though not ours per say, the choice is definitely ours. And when we act with intention and faith, every day becomes a step toward the life and society we hope to see, a life of purpose, growth, and meaningful contribution.

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