Time is a funny thing, isn’t it?
There are times when it’s too early in the day to get things done.
Then there are times when it’s too late in the day to do something.
But that three o’clock time frame? It’s a killer.
Lunch is several hours past, but you can’t quite see dinner yet … and the afternoon slump, not to mention the effect of too many interruptions, can sap your energy and creativity.
Three o’clock can be symbolic, too. Think of all those times you find yourself struggling with being too late or too early — asking yourself. “What do I do now?”
If you find yourself figuratively at three o’clock, it means you’re waiting. And waiting doesn’t have to equal stagnating. You can rest — and sometimes that’s the absolute best choice.. You can pray. You can prepare for the upcoming season of action by studying whatever skill you need to achieve your dream.
You don’t have to quit when the clock strikes three — be it for real or symbolically. Choose how you’re going to manage that in-between time so it’s not wasted.
In Your Words: How do you make three o’clock work for you?
In Others' Words: When the Clock Strikes Three http://bit.ly/2MgCAHy #time #quotes Click To Tweet 'Three o'clock is always too late or too early for anything you want to do.' quote by Jean-Paul Sartre http://bit.ly/2MgCAHy #time #persevere Click To Tweet
Comments 11
The ultimate liberation is that from convention; bedtime is only bedtime for the idle who would rather escape into the arms of Morpheus.
When the sands are visibly running out, sleep is irrelevant; and when we realize that the sands are running for us all…that’s freedom.
Sleep when you need to, for as long as you need to and as short as you can, because the temporal road behind you can’t again be walked.
Author
Andrew:
You are talking with a woman who believes in the true value of a good nap — and who is also seriously sleep-deprived. 😉
I’m all for hard work — have plenty of that to do. But I believe in the value of rest — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
You believe in striving — and I mean this as a compliment. But I know you are in a battle. And I cheer you on.
Great words…and something I do not do well. I appreciate the reminder that the three o’clock in my day really could be a moment to rest, instead of fretting about what I don’t have time left to do. To often I am guilty of allowing myself to “stagnate while I wait.”
Author
Lori: So glad this post encouraged you. I battle my three o’clocks and have had to figure out how to utilize them well so that I don’t feel defeated.
I am a firm believer in the power of a nap and take one almost daily. Usually from 1-2. Three is my back to work time. lol
Author
Love this, Pat! You’ve got three o’clock all figured out. 🙂
I don’t take naps though sometimes I kind of nod through. I don’t like the way naps leave me feeling groggy.
When I think of 3 o’clock, I think of the day of crucifixion when Jesus gave up the ghost. Everything earthly turned on its axis at 3 p.m. that day to transition to eternal.
Author
Quite a pivotal — eternal — three o’clock. Puts every other three o’clock in a whole new light.
I’m with Patricia! Usually, 3-3:30 I set writing aside and look for some old fashioned cartoons. Tom and Jerry or Bugs Bunny. They make me laugh and totally relax. In an hour or so, I’m ready to get at it.
Author
Now Sherry, that’s quite a creative way to stoke the creative fires again!
I don’t remember ever seeing this quote or thinking about three o’clock being a significant time of day for anyone else, but it’s a big deal around here. My daily satisfaction or frustration is based on how much I’ve accomplished (usually meaning how much I’ve written) by 3 p.m. There is something about that time of day.