Time is finite and we all know that we can’t stop the clock or turn back time. However, we can start to influence how we perceive the time we have.
Time Abundance vs. Time Scarcity
When we have a lot to do, we focus on not having enough time. Each day arrives with a feeling of time scarcity, and we go in feeling that there won’t be enough time to get it all done. During the day, we reinforce this by telling others we are “crazy busy” and “don’t have time to…..”.
Flipping the idea in your mind to focus on the fact you have more than enough time to get done what must be done creates a feeling of time abundance. Every day has 24 hours. 1440 minutes. That is an abundance of time.
Fast Time vs. Slow Time
Our perceptions of time moving fast or slow can be influenced by the pace we choose. Overscheduling our time with meetings back-to-back and “just enough time” to get from work to pick up kids or meet a friend for dinner makes time feel that it is moving fast.
Working in some buffer time between events can help you feel like time is moving slower and you have more available to you.
Present Time vs. Past Time
This concept is called the “Holiday Effect” and you can learn more here. When we are on vacation time can seem to fly by. However, after the trip, when we reflect on all the experiences, we perceive that the time was much slower.
Having new experiences triggers the phenomenon. Present time may move fast, but our memories reflect on time that was moving much slower.
My Story
Most of my life has been spent in time scarcity and fast time.
I’ve worked a great deal in the last 15 years to shift that.
My mindset has had a positive impact on my perception of how time passes. Days with a feeling of abundance are less stressful and chaotic than those with a feeling of time scarcity.
Before writing this post, I hadn’t heard about the holiday effect. When reflecting on vacations, they do seem to have more time in my memory than I felt in the moment.
Your Turn
Does time pass quickly or slowly for you?
Do you find yourself more stressed on days you feel time scarcity?
How could you adjust your schedule or mindset to make time feel more available?