"3時は何をするにもいつも遅すぎるか早すぎる"

Well, let's dive into this. Imagine you're trying to find the perfect time to start something—maybe a big project, or perhaps just a small task. The idea here is that three o'clock, whether it's in the afternoon or in the middle of the night, often feels like a weird time to begin. It's neither here nor there. It's not quite the start of something new, nor is it the end. It's just... three o'clock.

Historically speaking, this kind of sentiment can be traced back to the French existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. He had this knack for capturing the bizarre ways we experience time and existence. During his time, post-World War II, people were grappling with a lot of existential questions and uncertainties. Sartre's observation about three o’clock captures a bit of that off-kilter, never-quite-right feeling that pervades life sometimes.

Now, let's bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Picture yourself at work. It's 3 p.m., and you've just finished a meeting. You look at the clock and think about what to tackle next. Starting a new project feels daunting because you know you won't get it done before the end of the day. But if you just do a small task, it feels insignificant. Three o'clock is that awkward in-between time where you're not sure whether to dive into something big or just coast until quittin' time.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? For one, recognize these odd times as opportunities for preparation or transition. Instead of starting a new project at three, maybe use that time to plan your next big steps. Make lists, organize your workspace, or even just take a moment to breathe and reset. Embrace these "in-between" moments as a chance to get ready for the next major push, rather than feeling pressured to dive headfirst into something you won't be able to finish.

Now, let me paint you a scenario. Think about a writer—someone working on a novel. They’ve got a day job, so their writing time is limited to evenings. They get home, eat dinner, and look at the clock. Three a.m. looms ahead as they try to decide whether to write for a couple of hours or just call it a night. That strange hour can feel like a barrier rather than an invitation. But what if they used the time to sketch out ideas, jot down character notes, or flesh out the plot? It’s still productive, but it’s not the pressure of diving into full-blown writing mode.

In essence, those odd hours—whether at three in the afternoon or three in the morning—don't have to be wasted time. They can be your secret weapon for getting ready, planning, and setting up your next move. Instead of seeing them as too early or too late, flip the script. Use them to your advantage, and you might find that those moments become some of the most valuable times in your schedule.