Are you looking for a thoughtful collection of quotes about time?
Do you want some thoughtful words to help add context to your day and motivate you in your business and beyond?
In this article, you’ll find a collection of twenty-five quotes about time you can use today and in future.
Key Takeaways
- Reading and collecting quotes can inspire, put life into perspective, and motivate us to consciously use our time
- Keep track of quotes you come across in your daily travel using a notebook and pen or note-taking app
- Use quotes as a motivation booster or source of inspiration when you’re feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or hurried
Table of Contents
- What are quotes about time?
- Why should you read quotes about time?
- What are some reasons why should you collect quotes about time?
- Why I like quotes about time as a productivity coach
- 25 quotes about time that you'll love to read
- Quotes about time: seizing the moment
- Quotes about time: the properties of time
- Quotes about time: working with time
- "Time is a created thing" – Lao Tzu
- "I must govern the clock" – Golda Meir
- "We must use time as a tool" – John F. Kennedy
- "Waste your money and you're only out of money" – Michael LeBoeuf
- "If you want work well done" – Elbert Hubbard
- "The key is in not spending time" – Stephen R. Covey
- "Time is the most valuable thing" – Theophrastus
- "Time is what we want most" – William Penn
- Quotes about time: spending time
- FAQ: Quotes about time
- Conclusion
What are quotes about time?
Quotes about time are short sentences, passages, or reference that help reinforce one’s place in the world. They can come from any individual, subject, historical era, world region, language, or societal background.
Quotes can be found in so many different contexts, from books, articles, speeches, reports, letters, essays, and more. While quotes are often plucked from their immediate surroundings, as standalone sentences, they can provide great context and material for reflection.
If you keep your eyes peeled, you’re sure to find quotes about time in your daily routine. You just need to pay careful attention!
Why should you read quotes about time?
For me as a productivity coach, it’s a subtle reminder that time isn’t anything new here on planet earth. We humans have created the thing called the clock and the calendar in order to measure the passage of time in our days.
Sometimes you can get caught up in the daily grind that you forget that other people must deal with the restraints of time. Reading these quotes reminds you that famous people, from celebrities, world leaders, authors, religious figures, businesspeople, writers, philosophers, diplomats, and more have all experienced the passage of time, just as you or I.
What’s more, it helps put perspective on things. What’s been built in history over the course of time, from cities, to empires, and beyond, and yet how fleeting sometimes our time, has been on this planet. Of course, that’s just more fodder for making the use of time that we have.
What are some reasons why should you collect quotes about time?
There’s nothing like being inspired by a hand-picked collection of quotes that are unique to you, and you alone.
I think people should have at least a handful of quotes to look back upon. Quotes are literally quite timeless. And they can tell us so much about who we are and where we are going in the world. So that’s something that you can really make use of.
An easy way to get started is to just keep an eye out, when you’re reading a book, listening to a podcast, skimming an article, or listening to a talk. There’s so many gems that are out there. Go and find the quotes that interest you the most.
Also, quotes about time can help you become more realistic about your unique situation as well.
Why I like quotes about time as a productivity coach
As a productivity coach, I love inspirational quotes. For me, they are a quick and easy way to give me a boost of motivation when I need it most.
As a matter of fact, I keep a giant hardcover notebook near my desk with my favorite quotes. I’ve been adding to the notebook over the past decade. You may wish to track your quotes with a notebook or note-taking app.
I find it extremely satisfying to update the notebook and reread the quotes I’ve collected over the years.
For every month or year that passes, the quotes take on a different interpretation. Sure, they’re the same quotes.
But in the meantime, I’ve had many different experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.
The quotes are always at the ready, whenever things get frustrating, rough, or just plain annoying in work and life.
I love reading quotes because they give me a little break from my daily routine and because they help put things in perspective.
25 quotes about time that you’ll love to read
Now it’s time to move onto the quotes! For your convenience, I’ve divided the quotes about time into four main categories:
- Seizing the moment
- The properties of time
- Working with time
- Spending time
To give you some food for thought, I’ve added some thoughtful commentary after the quotes. It is my hope that this commentary will get you thinking about time and how you’re currently using it in your professional and personal life.
Read this list whenever you need a bit of inspiration and motivation. Whether you feel like you are out of time, don’t have enough time, or now is not the right time, these quotes will certainly put things in perspective for you!
Quotes about time: seizing the moment
Have you been putting off emailing that client you worked with last month so you can get their testimonial? Have you been procrastinating on scheduling that yearly doctor’s appointment?
This collection of timely quotes about seizing the moment will have you thinking about taking action. Will you take action now, or will you take it later? The choice is yours.
“The best time to plant a tree” – Chinese Proverb
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
Chinese Proverb
Why I love this traditional proverb
This quote really hits home the importance of taking action. What I most love about the quote is the acknowledgement of time in and of itself. There’s no sugar coating of the fact that it takes a long time for trees to grow. That’s the plain truth.
Rather than languishing in what you could have done decades ago, you can still do something about the situation. So, remember, whatever you’re planning, or even thinking about planning, nothing beats straightforward action, pure and simple.
“Yesterday is gone” – Mother Teresa
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.
Mother Teresa
Why I love this quote by Mother Teresa
I love this quote because it helps give us some perspective as to where we are in life. Yesterday is something we cannot change and we can’t jump to the future. So, we have to be resourceful with what we do have: the present.
No matter where you are in your business or life, you can make the most of today. And it’s as simple as beginning something. Whether that’s starting a business blog, delegating tasks, or taking your vacation, do something today.
“Don’t wait” – Napoleon Hill
Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.
Napoleon Hill
Why I love this quote by Napoleon Hill
This quote dispels excuses by any would-be procrastinators. And that’s why I love it so much. There isn’t a perfect or “just right” relationship, opportunity, situation, place, or offer. There’s no such thing as perfection when it comes to living.
While there is something to timing in life, you can’t just keep using it as a crutch. Take a deep breath and get started on that task you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s meeting friends for drinks after work or decluttering your email inbox, do it sooner rather than later.
“Don’t let the fear of the time” – Earl Nightingale
“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”
Earl Nightingale
Why I love this quote by Earl Nightingale
I love this quote because it acknowledges the fear of time. Once upon a time, I was frustrated by the thought of writing blog posts. More than a decade later, I’ve written hundreds of posts. But nothing would have happened if I hadn’t written my first post.
Not to scare you or anything, but those ticking seconds on the minute hand mean something. It means time is passing. You can either stress over how long it will take to do something as mundane as file a stack of papers. Or you can spend it to file those papers and be finished with the task.
“Know the true value of time” – Philip Stanhope
“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Why I love this quote by Philip Stanhope
I love this quote because it really nails down what time is all about: living and enjoying in the present moment. It just goes to show that whenever you’re in doubt about what to do, you can always makes use of what you have, right now.
Where in your life can you seize the day? How can you savor time spend with others? What about taking action on something you’ve been putting off for the longest time? The value is now. Make use of it.
“Things may come to those who wait” – Abraham Lincoln
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
Abraham Lincoln
Why I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln
Leave it to the 16th president of the United States of America to have a quote that’s pure gold. I think what makes this quote so memorable is the historical reference. President Lincoln certainly knew what the value of time meant for a country.
Sure, you can wait for things to happen in this life. But you may lose out by only picking from what’s leftover by others. Why not be a pioneer? Why not claim what you want and go and get it? There’s a good chance you’ll get there before others do…
Quotes about time: the properties of time
The properties of time may seem mysterious. After all, how do you acquire time? The plain and simple fact is that you don’t. Time just streams into our existence. And all too often do we take it for granted.
These quotes about the property of time will give you some insight into how you can view your minutes, days, and hours. Whatever you’re currently thinking, there’s probably some simple adjustments that could benefit you and your relationship with time.
“Time and tide” – Geoffrey Chaucer
Time and tide wait for no man.
Geoffrey Chaucer
Why I love this quote by Geoffrey Chaucer
This quote offers the cold, hard truth. Time and the rising tides will continue to march on whether or not we pay attention to, plead with, or attempt to placate with them. They’re going to continue on as they have been doing for thousands of years.
So, if Father Time and Mother Nature can move on with what they need to do, every single day, why not get into the groove, too? Think of one small task that you’ve been putting off. Now, time isn’t going to stop for you to complete it — so why not complete it now?
“Time stays long enough” – Leonardo da Vinci
Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.
Leonardo da Vinci
Why I love this quote by Leonardo da Vinci
This quote really makes you think about time itself. There’s always time available for us to use. I’ll never forget a fitness class I once took that squeezed in a rigorous mini-workout in the last five minutes of class. That’s the power of using time to your advantage!
Instead of discounting those small bits of time, be it 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 15 minutes, see what you can do with it. Sure, the work doesn’t need to be perfect the first time round. But you can at least get the process started, do some research, or outline something.
“Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin
Lost time is never found again.
Benjamin Franklin
Why I love this quote by Benjamin Franklin
I love this quote because it makes you wonder where time actually goes. If you don’t use time, where does it go? You can’t exactly pick it up off your desk after lunch and add it to your calendar…
That being said, it’s worth taking a moment to consider where you are right now. Is there something in your experience, time with children, growth of your business, or future success that’s calling you to embrace it? Live in the moment.
“Nature does not hurry” – Lao Tzu
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao Tzu
Why I love this quote by Lao Tzu
This quote is a gentle reminder that great things can happen in our life…if we choose to recognize it. We don’t have to force the little or big things. After all, nature grows majestic trees and moves from a season to another without rushing or hurrying.
Where in your life do you need to slow down? Perhaps you may need to adjust your mindset, work thoughtfully, or eliminate distractions from your daily routine. Maybe you need to take a break more often from your work so you can put things in perspective.
“Time is money” – Benjamin Franklin
Time is money.
Benjamin Franklin
Why I love this quote by Benjamin Franklin
This quote by Benjamin Franklin really says it simply and clearly for me. Time is a resource that’s available to all of us. You can use it however you like, whenever you like. But the real question is how are you spending on a daily basis?
Are you spending your time working on worthwhile projects in your business? Are you spending your time with loved ones on weekends or on your vacations? Do you spend your time during the day working on truly important and urgent items or not? It’s certainly worth considering.
“The only reason for time” – Albert Einstein
The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.
Albert Einstein
Why I love this quote by Albert Einstein
I really enjoy this quote because it helps put time in perspective. It reminds us that we use the calendar and schedule meetings, appointments, trips, and events for a reason: so we can plan and prepare for items in a timely fashion.
Look at it this way. What if you experienced everything over the last year over the course of just one day? That would be an extremely stressful and exhausting experience, even if you had many joyous and inspiring events and celebrations. Thankfully, time acts as a buffer so that doesn’t happen.
Quotes about time: working with time
One of the things I always say to clients when they are interested in better managing their time, is that they have to work with it. You can’t simply stop the clock so that you can plan a meeting, review a report, or take your lunch break.
That being said, this collection of quotes about working with time will help you to better use the minutes and hours you have available to you every single day of the year. Remember, you have to use well what’s given to you.
“Time is a created thing” – Lao Tzu
Time is a created thing. To say, ‘I don’t have time’, is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.’
Lao Tzu
Why I love this quote by Lao Tzu
I like this quote because it really shows you that the power to control your days and years lies in your hands. Yes, there are some things in life that are completely out of your control. But there are still a lot of things that you have direct control over every single day.
You get to control which meetings attend. You control what time you go to sleep at night. And you control when you start the work day in your business. So the next time you think you don’t have control over something, ask yourself if it’s because you truly don’t have the time or don’t want to?
“I must govern the clock” – Golda Meir
I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.
Golda Meir
Why I love this quote by Golda Meir
Time, for all intents and purposes, is a human created social construct. Sure, we all follow clocks and use calendars every single day of our lives. But that doesn’t mean we have to be slaves to time or the clock itself in order to fully live our lives.
Try using time as a tool, and not as a directive. How can it help you build the desired goal you seek? How can you better plan your workday? Does your morning schedule need some updating? Could you set aside some unstructured time for yourself to work on important projects? It’s well worth considering.
“We must use time as a tool” – John F. Kennedy
We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.
John F. Kennedy
Why I love this quote by John F. Kennedy
This quote works beautifully off of the previous quote. Time is something that can we use at any moment in time. But by the same token, we shouldn’t just sit around and be comfortable with it just because we can.
Not to scare you or anything, but time is always passing. That’s whether you’re paying attention to it using the minute hands or a clock or whether you’re sleeping in your bed. So, how are you going to use the tool of time in your business? Are you going to use it to build something big, inspirational, or rewarding?
“Waste your money and you’re only out of money” – Michael LeBoeuf
Waste your money and you’re only out of money, but waste your time and you’ve lost a part of your life.
Michael LeBoeuf
Why I love this quote by Michael LeBoeuf
“If you want work well done” – Elbert Hubbard
If you want work well done, select a busy man — the other kind has no time.
Elbert Hubbard
Why I love this quote by Elbert Hubbard
“The key is in not spending time” – Stephen R. Covey
The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.
Stephen R. Covey
Why I love this quote by Stephen R. Covey
“Time is the most valuable thing” – Theophrastus
Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.
Theophrastus
Why I love this quote by Theophrastus
“Time is what we want most” – William Penn
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.
William Penn
Why I love this quote by William Penn
Quotes about time: spending time
Whether you’re spending time with friends and family, spending the afternoon, or spending less time at work, how we actively use time is
“Time is the coin of your life” – Carl Sandburg
Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
Carl Sandburg
Why I love this quote by Carl Sandburg
I find this quote absolutely refreshing because it reminds us that our time is valuable. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. Your time is available to you and you alone to use and spend.
One of the most challenging aspects of time management is not how you manage your time, but how you’re letting other people spend your time. Ask yourself
“If you spend too much time thinking” – Bruce Lee
If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.
Bruce Lee
Why I love this quote by Bruce Lee
Martial arts legend Bruce Lee said it right. Yes, there is a time and a place for planning. But eventually you’ll need to set that planning aside and take some action. Which is fitting coming from someone who was a martial artist.
Case in point: thinking about doing pushups is one thing. But eventually you’ll have to do those pushups in order to grow muscle. Where in your business or life are have you been thinking about something you need to do? Why not go out and do that task right now?
“Let him who would enjoy a good future” – Roger Babson
Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present.
Roger Babson
Why I love this quote by Roger Babson
This quote helps put into perspective our time here on planet earth. If you want to see wonderful things in the future for yourself, your business, and your family, then you should make full use of the present moment.
How can you be more present in your daily routine? Do you need to reduce or eliminate distractions while you work? Pay more attention to others when you’re having a conversation? Maybe you need to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like enjoying that hot beverage in the morning before work.
“People who cannot find time for recreation” – John Wanamaker
People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
Why I love this quote by John Wanamaker
This quote by famous department store legend John Wanamaker splits no hairs. It gets right to the point and reminds us that if we do not take care of ourselves through rest or relaxation, we may find ourselves in poor health later.
Where in your life are you avoiding recreation? It could be as innocent as continually skipping those weekly lunches with friends or working through the night every single night at the office after you’ve put in a hard day’s work. Take a moment now to recalibrate your schedule before it’s too late.
“The difference between what you were yesterday” – Stephen Pierce
The difference between what you were yesterday and what you will be tomorrow is what you do today.
Stephen Pierce
Why I love this quote by Stephen Pierce
I really like this quote because it shows you that there is a consequence to your actions. It may seem small or insignificant, but even taking just one step today towards your dreams or desires will get you one step closer there tomorrow.
So, this is a true reminder to get out there and do what you need to do, today. Even if you’re feeling hesitant, doubtful, or worried about how things will turn out, just take that first step. Sometimes that’s all that you need to get the momentum going.
FAQ: Quotes about time
What are quotes about time?
Short sentences, passages, or references from individuals of various eras or backgrounds that can help us better understand time. Find quotes in books, speeches, articles, videos, and other types of content both online and offline.
Why should I read quotes about time?
They provide perspective and serve as a reminder that time is a shared human experience. Quotes can inspire and motivate you. Plus, you better understand that famous figures of years past have experienced the passage of time, just like you!
Why should I collect quotes about time?
You’ll have a personal collection inspiring words that can help motivate you during overwhelming moments. They provide valuable insights and encouragement, and can help you be more realistic and intentional about how you use your time.
How can I make the most of quotes about time?
Collect, read, and reflect upon quotes regularly. Collect your favorite quotes for quick inspiration. Share quotes with others. Consider how quotes reflect your daily life and everyday decisions in order to better manage and appreciate your time.
What are some ways I can incorporate quotes about time into my daily routine?
Read a new quote each morning for inspiration, reflect on a favorite quotes throughout the week, jot down quotes into your planner or calednar, keep a list of favorite quotes on your phone, or recite your favorite quote aloud when you need some motivation.
Conclusion
In case we haven’t yet met virtually, it’s nice to meet you! Hi, I’m Rashelle Isip, The Order Expert®, productivity coach for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and executives.
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