How well do we value our time as Africans, and as Zambians in particular? Have you ever been invited to an event where the starting time was clearly stated, only for the event to begin much later than scheduled? How did that make you feel?
There is an old saying in Zambia that refers to delayed schedules as “Zambian Time”. This is commonly observed at events such as Chilanga Mulilo ceremonies, weddings, and other social gatherings. Rarely do we see events followed strictly. Instead, allowances for delays are often built into people’s schedules. Over time, this has become the norm, particularly at such events.
Traditionally, a Chilanga Mulilo (a Zambian traditional marriage ceremony) is expected to take place between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the groom’s family home. In today’s society, however, this timeline is rarely respected, and guests often end up having their meals as late as 6:00 p.m. My focus is not on Chilanga Mulilo itself, but on how modern culture has influenced our attitude towards time.
Why is there such a trend of late delivery and delayed starts? In African culture, respect for others is a key value. One does not talk back to elders, nor remain standing while elders are seated. The list goes on. Yet, when it comes to managing time and respecting other people’s time, these are areas where society is increasingly falling short.
Time mastery helps us recognise that every minute counts, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others. The expression “Zambian Time” often implies that one person’s time is more valuable than another’s. Whether intentional or not, this mindset undermines productivity, trust, and mutual respect.
What Is Time Mastery?
Most of us are familiar with the concept of time management. However, time mastery goes beyond simply managing time.
A recurring concern in both personal and corporate environments is how time is utilised. Meetings, trainings, and workshops are important, but it is equally important to understand how they affect efficiency and productivity.
Many studies have been conducted on time management and productivity. However, most focus on employee performance rather than how effective time use can influence every area of life. Time is one of the most important resources we have, and, as the saying goes, time lost is never regained.
A person may possess the skills, expertise, experience, and resources needed to succeed, yet their success often depends on how well they manage and master time. Time mastery is the art of aligning one’s lifestyle with the time available and making effective habits part of everyday life.
Time mastery goes beyond planning and goal setting. It requires us to ask deeper questions about purpose and fulfilment:
- Why am I here?
- Why do I do what I do?
- How fulfilled am I?
- Does what I do bring fulfilment?
- How much time do I have to complete this assignment?
Time Mastery from a Biblical Perspective
Scripture provides many examples of how God operates within and through time.
In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and the earth with precision. Each day had a specific purpose, and every act of creation occurred at the appointed time. Further, the sons of Issachar were known for understanding the times and knowing what Israel ought to do. Their wisdom enabled them to guide the nation effectively.
When Jesus was born, the wise men recognised the signs of the time through the appearance of a star. Their understanding led them to the place where the Saviour was born.
How transformative would it be if we understood time from a similar perspective? The Scriptures demonstrate that God is the ultimate Master of Time, and there is much we can learn from His example.
Becoming a Master of Time
How can we become masters of time and eventually overcome the mindset associated with “Zambian Time”?
The first step is to identify the areas of your life where you would like to see improvement. These may include:
- Health
- Family
- Relationships
- Friendships
- Career
- Work
- Financial well-being
- Personal development
- Spiritual growth
List these areas according to their importance, priority, and urgency. Then write down what results you would like to achieve and by when.
The next step is to develop an action plan for each area.
For example, if you are a working mother, a father, a spouse, or a student, ask yourself:
- What are my priorities?
- How can I manage them effectively?
- How do I ensure that one responsibility does not negatively affect another?
Returning to the Chilanga Mulilo example, ask yourself:
- How much time do I have before the event?
- What activities need to be completed before then?
- Who is responsible for each task?
These practical questions help ensure that other people’s time is respected long before the event itself takes place.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Scheduling and planning in advance can help avoid the stress associated with last-minute arrangements. It also allows everyone involved to align with existing commitments.
Imagine that you have been invited for a job interview. To arrive on time, you book a flight. While waiting at the airport, you are informed that the flight has been delayed. As a result, you miss the interview.
Had you planned to travel a day earlier, you would likely have reached your destination on time. While some delays are unavoidable, effective planning minimises risk and improves preparedness.
Communicate Early and Clearly
Another important aspect of time mastery is communication.
Once plans have been established, ensure that everyone involved understands the expectations and timelines. If your goal is to improve productivity at work, discuss this openly with your team. If your focus is on strengthening family relationships, communicate your intentions to your loved ones and help them understand where you are and where you want to be.
Clear communication promotes accountability, alignment, and mutual support.
Time Mastery and Intentionality
Time mastery and intentionality are two sides of the same coin.
How can one master time without being deliberate about their goals, ambitions, plans, and desires?
Being intentional means respecting not only your own time but also that of others. It involves setting clear dates, realistic timelines, and achievable targets. What may be urgent or important to one person may not necessarily be so for another.
Leveraging Technology
Technology has significantly simplified how we manage our time. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools now assist with planning, scheduling, communication, and task management. Many activities that previously required physical presence can now be completed remotely.
Today, one can study from home, collaborate virtually, and even plan major events without significantly disrupting work schedules. These technological advances provide opportunities to use time more efficiently.
Prioritisation: The Foundation of Time Mastery
Although we may have long lists of tasks, their effectiveness depends on how they are prioritised.
Priorities differ from person to person and often depend on life circumstances, goals, and seasons.
Time management experts commonly categorise tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix:
- Urgent and Important
- Important but Not Urgent
- Urgent but Not Important
- Neither Urgent Nor Important
Using this framework helps individuals schedule tasks strategically and improve productivity.
Just as organisations must manage competing objectives, individuals must also navigate competing demands. New priorities will continually emerge, but having a clear framework helps determine which activities deserve immediate attention and which can be postponed, delegated, or eliminated.
Often, we fail to achieve our goals because we treat everything as equally important. Establishing priorities not only saves time but also improves the allocation of resources. Another useful exercise is calculating the value of your time. Doing so provides insight into how much time is spent on meaningful activities compared to non-essential or low-value tasks.
Conclusion
Time is one of life’s most valuable resources. Unlike money, it cannot be recovered once lost. Mastering time is therefore not merely about keeping a schedule. It is about living intentionally, respecting others, prioritising effectively, and aligning daily actions with one’s purpose.
If Zambia is to move beyond the culture of “Zambian Time”, it begins with each individual making a conscious decision to value time, honour commitments, and respect the schedules of others. In doing so, we not only increase our personal effectiveness but also contribute to a more productive and responsible society.
