Time

Time is a less stable and more subjective notion than many think. The way we, as people, measure time is personal, and varies from culture to culture, and person to person. The Mayans took a circular view of time, whereas we are trapped within a linear perception of time; the alpha and the omega manacles upon our minds and how we approach the universe.

The individual markers of time are just as different. I measure my life in major sporting events - Olympics and World cups and Lions tours. A few other significant dates have crept into the mix, but they're the life long reference points around which everything else hangs. You'll have your own key events, personal or global, which stand out as markers for you.

With three weeks to go, some may be thinking of relaxing, of just getting through to the end. This, after all, is not the most important time of year, is it? September is most important, says one. It's when we set the standards for the year. Tosh, says another - January is the key time. Get through those dark cold days well and the year is cracked. Piffle, says the member of SLT responsible for making sure hoops are jumped. Easter to exams is the most vital time - that's where we really earn our crust.

I'd venture that, vital as these times are, this time of year, these last few weeks have a massive role to play in how we do and where we, as a department, staying or going, end up. Now is a time to innovate and experiment. Now is a time to engage and enthuse. Now is a time to set standards ahead of September, to become better than you were the day before. 

Every day must be seized. Whatever your age or pay bracket or intentions, every day you must strive to be better - more effective, more reflective, more more skilful. 

Seize it.