What do you wish you could do more every day?
If you had asked me this question a decade ago, my answer might have been different. Back then, I was juggling corporate responsibilities, managing large teams, and ensuring projects met tight deadlines. My days were structured around meetings, strategic planning, and execution. But now, as an entrepreneur, educator, and writer, my perspective has shifted. I have greater control over my schedule, yet I still find myself wishing for more time to do certain things.
There are many things I wish I could do more of daily—writing, learning, exercising, and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. But if I had to choose one thing above all, it would be reflection.
The Power of Reflection
We live in a world that values action over contemplation. The modern hustle culture glorifies productivity, but it often neglects the power of stepping back and thinking deeply about what we are doing and why we are doing it.
I wish I had more time to sit down, free from distractions, and truly reflect on my experiences—both personal and professional. In my younger years, I rarely did this. There was always another project, another deadline, another goal to achieve. But as I get older, I realize that reflection is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Every day, I experience moments—some small, some significant—that shape my perspective. A conversation with a friend, an article I read, an interaction with a student, or even a simple observation from my daily commute—each of these holds potential lessons. But unless I take the time to reflect, these moments slip away unnoticed.
Writing as a Form of Reflection
One way I practice reflection is through writing. In fact, many of my articles stem from moments of deep introspection. When I write, I am not just sharing information; I am engaging in a dialogue with myself. I ask myself questions, challenge my assumptions, and explore new perspectives.
There have been times when I sat down to write about a specific topic, only to realize mid-way that my own thoughts were evolving. It’s fascinating how writing forces me to articulate what I truly believe. It’s one thing to have ideas floating in my mind, but another to put them into words. Writing makes my thoughts tangible, allowing me to refine and improve them.
I wish I had more time to write without constraints—to explore ideas without worrying about deadlines or audience expectations. I want to write purely for the sake of self-discovery.
Learning and Expanding Horizons
Another thing I wish I could do more every day is learning. I have always been curious about new technologies, especially in IoT and AI. But beyond my professional interests, I am fascinated by history, philosophy, and human psychology.
There’s so much knowledge available today—books, podcasts, online courses—but the challenge is finding the time to consume it meaningfully. I don’t just want to skim articles or watch short videos; I want to deeply engage with the material, take notes, and apply what I learn.
One of my biggest realizations is that learning should not just be about acquiring information; it should be about understanding connections. How does AI impact ethics? How does history shape modern technological policies? How can IoT be used to solve societal problems? These are the kinds of questions that excite me.
I often tell myself, If only I had an extra two hours a day just to read and think…
Meaningful Conversations
With the rise of social media, communication has become easier but often more superficial. While I engage with many people online, I miss deep, face-to-face conversations—conversations where ideas flow naturally, where there’s no rush, and where both parties are truly present.
I wish I could have more of these conversations every day—whether with friends, colleagues, or even strangers. Some of my best insights have come from unexpected discussions. It’s amazing how much we can learn when we listen without judgment.
I sometimes wonder, What if we all spent more time having thoughtful conversations instead of quick exchanges? How different would our relationships be? How much more would we understand one another?
Physical and Mental Well-being
Exercise is another area I wish I could dedicate more time to daily. I try to stay active, but some days, work takes over. Yet, every time I go for a walk or a workout, I feel more energized and focused.
Similarly, mental well-being is just as important. Meditation, mindfulness, and simply taking breaks throughout the day help in reducing stress. But in our busy schedules, these often get neglected.
I remind myself constantly: Taking care of my health is not a distraction from work; it’s an investment in my long-term productivity and happiness.
The Balance Between Doing and Being
At the core of all these desires—reflection, writing, learning, deep conversations, and well-being—is a fundamental question: How do we balance “doing” with “being”?
The world pushes us to always be doing something, achieving something, proving something. But sometimes, the most valuable thing we can do is simply be—to pause, to breathe, and to appreciate the present moment.
I wish I could do more of that every day.
Perhaps the real challenge is not finding more time but making a conscious choice to prioritize what truly matters.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 