Managing the Clock

Learning the game of chess requires time and study.  Tactics and strategies take practice and repetition.  When one is learning to play, first timers generally fall into one of two categories when it is their turn:

1) They are anxious to make the move they've already determined to make.
2) They are careful to reevaluate and over analyze the new board.

To become a good player, however, neither of these approaches is good technique.  A good chess player must learn to balance careful board analysis with his or her preconceived plans.  Tournament chess play, generally includes a play clock.  Good players learn to manage the clock.  Moves require careful thought, but too much thought on a few moves may cost too much time.  Making the best move in an appropriate amount of time is ideal.  Making the best move in too much time will lose the game but so will making the worst move in no time.

Similarly in life, we must learn to manage the clock.  This can be applied to your lifetime, your education and career stage, your family life and composition, and even your work day itself.  What is the goal of your life?  How are you managing the clock on accomplishing that goal?  Have you developed a long-term plan?  Are you properly analyzing your progress and your opportunities?