Time feels like a game where each decision is a move on a board, the clock ticking like a silent spectator, and every pause can become a blunder if you don’t keep your focus. In chess we’re always looking ahead, trying to foresee the opponent’s counter, so we treat each moment as a chance to set up a winning endgame. When we rush, we risk a sudden gambit that leaves us exposed. If we play it methodically, we build a solid defense and aim for a quiet, decisive finish. So treat time like a chessboard: map your moves, guard against blunders, and let the clock remind you to stay patient.

I keep a small mechanical clock on my desk, ticking like a steady metronome. Each second reminds me that a rushed move can become a blunder, so I pause, glance at the board, and think about the long‑term plan before I press. I also mark the moments when I felt the urge to hurry in a little blunder book, so I can see the pattern later. If I notice the clock ticking too fast, I slow my tempo, play a quiet move, and let the pressure settle. That way the game stays calm, and I avoid gambits born of panic.