In this world there is something more precious than gold. Diamonds? No. Platinum? No. Some other precious metal? No.

Of course, it would depend who you might ask. Many would mention the alternatives I've already given. If you asked a drowning man he would undoubtedly say a life-buoy. If you asked a thirsty person stranded in the desert they would say water. And if you asked a person grieving over a lost loved one they would answer in that manner. All would be correct according to their own particular circumstance.

The value of something is in its scarcity. It's a matter of simple economics really. Things that exist in abundance are relatively cheap. Things that are rare are more expensive. Unique items are very valuable indeed. That is how value is measured.

However, going back to my opening statement, what would be more precious than any of the above? I would suggest something that, once spent, can never be regained. It's something that we all have but it runs out second by second. Time.

Time is the most precious commodity we have. Like everything else, it is its scarcity that increases its value.

Think about a child who is five years old. That child has a very shallow concept of time. If we double the age to ten time is again relatively abundant. Doubling the age to twenty a person begins to understand its concept.

If we double that person's age to forty time begins to become more and more valuable. At the age of eighty, if one lives that long, time is at a premium. It becomes very precious indeed.

If an eighty year old person had all the money they could ever spend what do you think they would buy, if they could? Time!

We only have one life. We cannot buy time. Shouldn't time be the one thing that we value more than anything else? And yet, so many people elect to waste time.

Don't let the wastage of time rob you of the things that you really want to do. The biggest robber of time are the words: "I'll do it later" or I'll get it done next week" or "there's plenty of time."

There is never a better time to do something than right now!

Procrastination and laziness will always ensure that you waste opportunities for achievement.

Use your time wisely. You will never get it back. There is no such thing as eternal youth. One day your time will run out. It would be such a pity for that to happen with a mind still full of wasted opportunity.

I heard somebody say once that "it is better to wear out than rust out." Going to the grave with the "music still in you" would be such a tragedy.

Time will always be your enemy - unless you make it your friend. Keep learning, keep working and keep achieving. Do it now!

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.