How you view time shapes your life

Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking, into the future. Our perception of time plays a significant role in how we process information, interact with others and generally how we navigate life. Just as we all filter information differently based on our preferences, we also have unique orientations toward time.

According to Philip Zimbardo in The Time Paradox, everyone fits into one of six distinct time categories, which can influence our  health, mental well-being, social interactions, achievements and our overall happiness.

Understanding how you view time can provide valuable insights into your behaviour, motivations, and challenges. Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory test is a helpful tool to identify your time orientation. It measures how you focus on the past, present, or future and places you into one of six categories;

The 6 time orientations

  1. Past-negative
    This group tends to dwell on negative experiences from the past. Their focus on past grievances often clouds their present. As a result, they may struggle with anxiety, aggression, low motivation, and emotional instability.
  2. Past-positive
    In contrast, past-positive individuals reminisce about the “good old days.” They focus on fond memories and carry a generally optimistic outlook. This orientation is linked to lower anxiety, greater mental stability, self-control, higher motivation and overall positivity.
  3. Present-fatalistic
    Self-professed ‘fatalists’, these people believe life is dictated by forces beyond their control. They tend to feel powerless in shaping their future and often resign themselves to their circumstances. This mindset can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and a lack of motivation to make positive changes.
  4. Present-hedonistic
    These are the people who say “life is short”,  “live for the moment.” Present-hedonistic individuals seek pleasure and avoid pain, thriving on immediate gratification. While they tend to be energetic and optimistic, this orientation can also lead to impulsivity, emotional instability and vulnerability to depression.
  5. Future-oriented
    Future-oriented people are good at planning and goal-setting. They get satisfaction from working toward long-term rewards rather than seeking immediate gratification. This mindset can lead to high energy levels, self-control and motivation. However, their intense focus on future goals can sometimes lead to impulsiveness or a tendency to neglect the present.
  6. Transcendental-future
    This category includes those who believe in an after-life and focus on spiritual growth. These are the big thinkers like Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle. They often strive for harmony with nature, greater god for humanity and a sense of divine purpose.

Time perspective shapes us into who we are 

Based on the above descriptions, can you pin-point which category you fall into and which category you team mates and colleagues fall into? Why does it even matter you might ask? Your perspective of time can have a huge impact on the way you live your life.

While each orientation has its strengths, having an unbalanced focus on one perspective can lead to challenges. By understanding your orientation and that of the people you work with, you can help to improve them and shift yourself and them from becoming too entrenched into a specific orientation. The good news is it is not set in stone and if you are too invested with a particular orientation, with some self-awareness and effort, t is possible to move your perspective.

For example:

  • Past-negative individuals may struggle to move forward.
  • Present-hedonistic people might overlook long-term consequences.
  • Overly future-focused individuals risk losing touch with the present.

By reflecting on your natural time orientation, you can actively work to balance your perspective and make more mindful decisions.

Understand time perspective and lead better 

Understanding your team’s time orientations can create a platform for growth. When you recognise where you and your team members fall on the time perspective spectrum, you can tailor your communication and strategies accordingly.

Help past-negative individuals focus on achievements and possibilities. Encourage present-hedonists to channel their energy into structured goals. Support future-oriented people by recognizing their efforts and helping them stay grounded in the present.

By encouraging balance and self-awareness, leaders can create a more harmonious and productive team environment; unlocking people’s full potential and eliminating the common negative self-beliefs that hold us back.

Take the Test

If you’re curious about your time perspective, Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory is a 55-question test that reveals which category you fall into. It’s a fun and insightful tool for self-reflection and growth. Why not give it a whirl?

Could you and your leadership team do with one of my tailored workshops? I’d love to share my experience and fool-proof leadership techniques with you. Don’t hesitate. Get in touch today. 

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