Why Time Flies & What to Do About It.
“How is it (insert month) already?! Last month flew by. Ugh,” was the topic of our family discussion one evening this last week.
And here we are… March. The third month of the year. Last month of Q1.?
As I look at the weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual goals and targets I’ve set for myself, I want to plead, “Wait! I need that month back!”?
Can you relate?
“Well, as you get older, life just speeds up.”
“There are just times in our lives when we have to be so busy. It’ll pass.”
“Grind now so I can really enjoy my time later.”
But time is time. It is how we interact with it that determines its “speed.”
Thanks for being here, and let's dive into this week's topic:?
Why Does Time Seem to Fly By?
The perception that time "flies by" in our lives is a common experience of many people, not just us introverts. Time, the most precious of commodities seems to slip through our fingers like sand in an hourglass (name that soap opera in the comments for bonus points).?
However, understanding the factors contributing to this perception can empower us to navigate our relationship with time more effectively and fully.
Here are four contributors to the speed of time:
Routine and Familiarity.?
When we engage in familiar activities or routines, our brains process these experiences more quickly because they don't require as much cognitive effort. As a result, time seems to pass more rapidly when we're going through familiar motions.
The comfort found in routine and familiarity, often associated with introverts, can paradoxically lead to a sense of time passing more quickly. When engaged in familiar activities, our brains enter autopilot mode, causing hours to blur into each other.
Lack of Attention:?
When we're not fully engaged or present in the moment, time can slip away more quickly. This often happens when we're multitasking or when our minds are preoccupied with other thoughts, causing us to lose track of time.
Introverts, known for their introspective nature, may find themselves lost in their own thoughts or multitasking, thereby failing to notice the passage of time. This lack of attention to external cues can exacerbate the feeling of time slipping away.
Preference for Depth over Breadth:?
Irrespective of personality traits, many individuals tend to favor depth and meaning in their experiences rather than seeking variety. “Jack of all trades” doesn’t carry the prestige of “Subject Matter Expert.” Like a lack of attention, this can cause us to lose track of time.
Unlike extroverts who thrive on external stimulation and novelty, introverts often seek depth and meaning in their experiences. While this can enrich our inner lives, it can also result in losing track of time when fully engrossed in a task or activity.
Absence of Novelty:?
Novel experiences tend to be more memorable and can create the illusion of time slowing down because our brains are processing new information. Conversely, when our experiences become more routine and predictable, time can pass more quickly because there are fewer novel events to anchor our memories.
This is why it is easier for us to remember the details of an amazing vacation years ago than what we had for dinner last Tuesday.
What Can You Do About It?
Armed with an understanding of why time seems to fly by, leverage these four strategies to manage the speed of your time and live more intentionally.
Practice Mindfulness:
Be where you are. With more mindfulness, i.e., staying present in the moment, you can develop a deeper appreciation for the here and now, effectively slowing down the perceived passage of time. Don’t believe me? Stare at a digital clock, waiting for it to advance. F.O.R.E.V.E.R.
Something more calming? Count your breaths when sitting quietly. Feel water drops or streams hit your skin when in the shower.
Embrace Novelty:
While we may gravitate towards familiar or comfortable experiences, incorporating novelty into our lives can fuel our senses and make time feel more expansive. Stepping outside of our comfort zones can lead to new discoveries and a richer time experience.?
Do crazy s@#. Do hard s@#. There is no more novel thing than to hear yourself say, “I can’t believe I just did that!”
Set Intentions:
Hard to live intentionally with intentions, am I right? Proactively set intentions and goals for how you spend your time by scheduling each day with a purpose, a meaning, or an outcome. Get good with 15 intentionally scheduled minutes per day working on that.?
In time (see what I did there?), as you are seeing results, add another 10 minutes elsewhere into your day.
Reflect and Reset:
As natural introspectors, introverts can reflect on their daily lives and adjust as needed. Assessing whether our activities align with our values and priorities ensures that we're making the most of our time in ways that bring fulfillment, joy, and accomplishment.?
Evaluate, then experiment. Repeat.
Action-Provoking Questions
As you embark on this week's journey, ask yourself and write down your answers (in a journal, notes app, etc.):?
During a recent morning journaling practice, I wrote:
“Don’t just ride the days, drive the days. They’re mine. Why shouldn’t I tell them where to go and what to do?”
The choice is yours. Embrace it with intention and curiosity, and watch as the hours expand before your very eyes.
I appreciate and am grateful you joined me for this Calm Out of the Box edition. If someone else might benefit, please share.
Wishing you a serene and productive week ahead.
Joe, Active Introvert