#079 - Laura Vanderkam - Why Does Time Pass More Quickly As You Get Older?
Jun 10, 2019
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Laura Vanderkam, a time management expert and author, dives into why time seems to fly as we age. She challenges listeners to reduce stress by prioritizing meaningful experiences over mere tasks. Laura explains that while we all have the same hours as icons like Elon Musk, how we manage our time is key. She also emphasizes the importance of tracking time to enhance happiness and create lasting memories, urging us to choose connections over passive entertainment for a more fulfilling life.
Being intentional and mindful in how we spend our time can shape our lives and make them more fulfilling.
Seeking novelty and intensity in our daily activities can make time feel more rich and expansive.
Genuine connections and social interactions create more memorable experiences and contribute to a more fulfilling perception of time.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mindful Time Management
Laura Vandercam discusses the importance of being mindful about how we spend our time. She highlights that time keeps passing, whether we make conscious decisions about how to spend it or not. To shape our lives and make them more fulfilling, Vandercam emphasizes the need to be intentional in our choices and allocate our hours wisely. By being mindful about time management, we can make the most of the 24 hours we all have in a day.
The Impact of Novelty and Intensity on Memory
Vandercam explores why time appears to go faster as we get older. She explains that our perception of time is influenced by how many memories we have of a given period. When life becomes routine and lacks memorable experiences, time seems to blend together and become forgettable. However, by seeking novelty and intensity in our daily activities, we can make time feel more rich and expansive. Engaging in new, memorable experiences and creating meaningful connections with others can help us create lasting memories.
The Power of Interactions and Relationships
Vandercam emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with friends and family. Research shows that people with a more abundant perspective on time spend more of their leisure time interacting with loved ones, while those with a lower time perception score tend to spend more time watching television. Vandercam suggests that genuine connections and social interactions create more memorable experiences and contribute to a more fulfilling perception of time.
Prioritizing Future Satisfaction
The podcast episode highlights the importance of considering the future when making decisions in the present. It emphasizes that although the present moment may seem more appealing, the future is what truly matters in the long run. By thinking about how our future selves will feel about the choices we make today, we can make better decisions. The podcast provides examples such as choosing to eat a healthy snack instead of indulging in unhealthy treats or engaging in activities that bring long-term fulfillment rather than short-term gratification. The message ultimately encourages listeners to prioritize future satisfaction over immediate desires.
Savoring Time and Creating Meaningful Memories
The podcast explores the concept of savoring time and the importance of creating meaningful memories. It suggests that by fully acknowledging and appreciating enjoyable moments, we can make them feel more significant and stretch the perception of time. The podcast recommends pausing to recognize and express gratitude for positive experiences, whether it's while spending time with loved ones or engaging in enjoyable activities. Additionally, the podcast delves into the connection between time and memory, highlighting research that indicates memories can be strengthened and recalled more vividly through post-event reflections and sensory cues. Overall, the podcast encourages individuals to consciously savor and enhance their experiences to create lasting and cherished memories.
Laura Vanderkam is a writer, author, speaker and an expert on time management.
We are all familiar with the phenomenon that is time, it passes at the same rate for all of us, so why do certain people seem to have so much of it while some of us are left stressed and seemingly without a spare second? Let's remember that you have the same number of hours in your day as Elon Musk, or Beyonce.
Today expect to learn why time goes so much more quickly the older you get, why you don't want more time - what you actually want is more memories and how you can track your time to maximise your happiness and freedom.
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