Understanding Your Time Perspective

Time is something we talk about a lot. We talk about spending time, losing time and not having enough time.

I think Professor Phillip Zimbardo, has a very interesting take on time. And I believe he has important things to teach us about  how we perceive time,  and how those perceptions can help us become happier and more effective.

In Zimbardo's 2008 book, The Time Paradox (co-authored with John Boyd), he argues that most people have a “bias” for one of 6 time perspectives:

1. Past Positive - focused on the pleasant memories and positive experiences of the past;
2. Past Negative - focused on past traumas or painful memories;
3. Present Hedonistic - focused on seeking pleasurable experiences in the moment;
4. Present Fatalistic – focused on lack of control in the present and a "it doesn't matter" view of present actions
5. Future - focused on discipline and hard work today in order to achieve rewards in the future;
6. Future Transcendental – heavily focused on a belief in the afterlife; 

The trick, according to Zimbardo is to limit an unhealthy bias towards any one of these time perspectives and to be able to fluidly move from one perspective to another, as the situation requires.

In other words, there’s a three-pronged “optimal time perspective” which will help you stay balanced, successful and happy:

1. Past Positive - High
   People who view their past as happy tend to exhibit less anxiety, are less aggressive, have more energy and are perceived as friendlier than those who view their past negatively. Interestingly, research suggests that even people who experienced hardships in the past can become past-positive if they can frame their negative experiences in a positive light.
   
2. Present Hedonism - Moderate
   Actively seeking pleasurable experiences and doing things that give you enjoyment can help you stay balanced and energetic, but focusing too much on such activities can lead us to "avoid things that require high effort and maintenance, or are that are regularized or boring." Moderation is key.
   
3. Future – Moderately High
   Being focused on the future is all about delaying gratification today for a greater reward in the future. Future-based people are good at "planning, scheduling one's time wisely, and anticipating detours and traps that might appear on the path to success". Futures are great problem solvers, know how to persevere and generally make more money than those in the other time perspectives. But again, moderation is the key. Being too focused on the future can lead us to "trade off social pleasures, like spending time with family and friends." Many futures also have a tendency to disregard their own health and spiritual well-being. 

Now, here are three things you can do to enjoy the present while engaging in activities that provide future benefit in your life.

1. Try to focus more on the good things that happened in your past and practice giving thanks for everything positive that’s come your way.
   
2. Take some time each day to slow down, relax, have fun and “smell the roses”. Think of actions you can take in the present that will not only help you feel good now, but that will also help you achieve future goals (e.g. taking a brisk walk with two of your best friends).
   
3. Set S.M.A.R.T goals for yourself then make a plan and work a little each day to execute  that plan. A mere 1% improvement per day (or per week), can add up to impressive progress at the end of just one year!

Time is a non-renewable resource. Learning to use it wisely pays huge dividends.