Any of us who is a child of the 80's remembers Back to the Future. There are other memorable time-travelling movies, but that one is at the top of many a list. In addition to movies, there are countless TV shows where time-travel is an awesome plot device.
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| In 1985... 2015 seemed like a long time into the future... It's just 2 years away!! |
What happened to the last 25 years of my life? They went in a flash! Perception.
Like sand in an hourglass, there is no stopping it, slowing it and definitely no way to place it back in the top. Or is there? I will not make pretend like I am some expert, but in this entry I will look at 3 simple things regarding time:
1) Scientific and nerd standpoint
2) Our Perception
3) Time management
1. Scientifically: As strange as this sounds, time is never alone. Time is woven tightly together with space. This is also known as "Spacetime" in the theory of Relativity. In fact (correct me if I am wrong) time is the result of us (or anything for that matter) travelling through space. So... why doesn't time stop if we stand absolutely still? Even if we where completely still... the Earth rotating around the Sun - and the sun rotating around the center of our Milky Way - well, you get the idea. AND... As our Universe continually expands, nothing is ever static. The only circumstance in which time slows down is when we approach the speed of light. I doubt any of us ever get to go that fast... besides, our mass would get so large - I also doubt any of us would want to.
2. Perception: Notice how like a watched kettle of water "never boils" and how fast time goes by when we're having fun? Perception. Time goes by at the same rate regardless. What I don't understand... our thoughts travel at the speed of light - so why don't we "see" everything in "slow-motion" ? I think The Matrix addressed that somewhat... since our thoughts are so fast, once we are aware that there are no "real limits" - we can dodge bullets :D. I digress. Our perception of time is unique to the individual. However, I believe time does not wait for anyone. It is indeed constant, and it is up to us what we make of it. My perception of time? I feel like everyday I have less and less time -OR- that time is going by faster and faster. Why? The level and intensity of things going on require my attention constantly. This gives the illusion that I have less time, because I have little to no time for my own thoughts. As each day goes by, I have less and less time ahead of me (Yes... I am mortal). Looking back to my "younger years" this gives the strange feeling that all the time that has gone by (so fast). This makes me feel like I may very well be approaching "the end" more quickly. Once again, time is constant. It is all my perception, which leads me to the importance of Point #3.
3. Time Management: This may sound pessimistic (sorry), but our time is finite. There was a time I felt like I had "all the time in the world". Perhaps in my teenage years and in my 20's. Not anymore. My mortal nature is throwing reminders of my age every day. First things first or "prioritizing" has become so relevant in my life recently (perhaps because I became a dad for the 1st time a little over a month ago :) ). As I mentioned in Point #2, not only to I feel like I have less time, but what little time I have - just flies by. Optimizing what I do and when I do it is key. I have yet to follow the proper Urgent vs. Important 4 x 4 matrix on a daily basis.
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| Where does writing this blog entry fit? |
However - I did find an awesome app My Effectiveness Habits that follows that grid, and has helped me mentally prepare priorities as I go through the week. A lot of things seem to "pile up" or get "neglected" - but it goes to show that those things that I thought were important, were in reality - not - and probably fell in the "Quadrant IV" activities I used to love (TV!!!) Technically, we are supposed to focus on Quadrant II: things that are important, but not urgent. Those things that will help ourselves in the future. I see them as things that my "future self" will be very thankful to my "past self" and pat him on the back if he could. I know, sounds silly. But when I think about how helpful an activity would be for my future self, it makes a ton of sense.
So - how do you identify "Quadrant II" activities?
Until we find a way to travel back in time (which is dangerous in itself) - we need to be very selective how we travel into the future second by second.
I leave you with an interesting quote to reflect on. A good colleague here at work mentioned it to me recently, and felt it is a good fit for this topic. Although the term "pain" and "weight" are repeated, it really is all about time. The question is: Will you be disciplined to make the best of the time that has been given to you? Or - will you squander it?.. and wish you had done something! Here it is:
“There are two types of pain you will go through in life, the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
-Jim Rohn
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