On Sunday, November 3rd, the clocks will change, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. At 2:00 a.m., we will turn our clocks back one hour, giving us that coveted "extra hour" in the fall. While it may be a simple adjustment in timekeeping, this shift can become a catalyst for personal growth. What will you do with this extra hour?
There is something almost magical about the moment when the clocks change, and we "gain" an hour. While existentially we know that time is not actually expanding, there is a certain satisfaction in the perception of having a little more of it—like finding an extra coin in the couch cushions, but so much more valuable. It is a reminder that time is the most precious resource we have, one that always seems in short supply. So, if you could have an extra hour, how would you use it?
This is not a job interview, so there is no need to give a dutiful answer like “put in another hour at work.” Ideally, you are already giving your best in your professional life. But what would you do for yourself? What would you choose to fuel your self-growth, your curiosity, or your well-being? The time change can be a subtle nudge, an opportunity to rethink our routines and try something new—something that makes us feel like we are moving forward rather than simply passing time.
Too often, when people "gain" an hour, the default response is to use it for more sleep. And while sleep is important, is it truly the best use of this gift? Sleep can restore your body, but what if this extra hour could do something more beneficial for your mind and spirit? What if it could be the spark that sets you on a new path, whether that is a path to better health, deeper knowledge, or greater productivity?
Imagine using that hour to start a workout routine you have been thinking about—not out of obligation, but as a celebration of what your body can do. It could be a morning walk while the world is still waking up, or a quick strength session that leaves you feeling accomplished before most people have had their first cup of coffee. Physical movement is not just about fitness; it is about proving to yourself that you can carve out time for what matters to you. The small investment of one extra hour could be the beginning of a healthier, more energetic version of yourself.
Or perhaps you would spend that time reading. Books offer an escape into other worlds and ideas, providing the
kind of mental exercise that stretches your thinking. An hour spent reading each morning could add up to dozens of books over the course of a year. Think about how much richer your understanding of the world could become. Reading can serve as a temporary break from the demands of daily life, offering a chance to immerse yourself in stories, philosophies, or concepts that make you see the world in new ways.
Then there is the option to study something new—a subject that has always intrigued you but seemed too niche or impractical to pursue. Whether learning a language, delving into a new field, or exploring a creative hobby, this hour could be your chance to discover new passions. Learning keeps the mind sharp, but more importantly, it keeps us curious and engaged with the world around us. There is a joy in picking up a new skill or allowing yourself the time to become a beginner again. Too often, as adults, we stop exploring new interests because they do not seem immediately relevant to our careers. But that is the beauty of this extra hour—an invitation to explore without the pressure of immediate outcomes.
The true gift of this extra hour lies not in the time itself, but in what it represents: an opportunity to reimagine ourselves. It is a reminder that even in our busy lives, small shifts can lead to significant changes. How often do we hear people say, “If only I had more time”? The time change gives us a chance to answer that question, even if just for a moment.
What if we treated this extra hour not as a bonus but as a blueprint? A chance to try out a new habit, experiment with a fresh routine, or focus on something you have been wanting to make time for. This seemingly small change can ripple into larger transformations, shaping habits that last far beyond that single hour in the fall. It is an invitation to be deliberate with our time, to craft a version of ourselves that aligns more closely with our deepest desires and values.
As the time falls back, it is our chance to spring forward. This extra hour offers an opportunity to break out of routine and move toward what we have been putting off. It is not just about adjusting our clocks—it is about using this moment to make meaningful changes that propel us forward, even when the world around us slows down.
OPINIONS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE STRICTLY THOSE OF THE AUTHOR
