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I was listening to a podcast the other day where the guest was telling a story about walking her 4-year-old to preschool before heading to work. They stopped because her little one was smelling flowers along the path, and without realizing it, she uttered, “Come on, we have to go, we don’t have time to slow down and smell the roses.” It gave me a good laugh, as I could totally see myself saying the same thing someday, and it got me thinking about our perception of time. In today’s fast-paced world, time often feels like the one thing we can never get enough of. We’re constantly juggling responsibilities, racing against the clock, and fantasizing about what life would be like if we just had more hours in the day. But what if the way we think about time is all wrong? What if the problem isn’t how much time we have, but how we’re spending it?
BALANCE
Do you ever find yourself thinking about all the things you need to do while sitting on a beautiful beach somewhere? It’s ironic—when I finally get the free time I’ve been longing for, I end up feeling bored and restless, but when I’m busy and swamped, I find myself wishing for a break. Research on time and happiness consistently shows that both extremes—having too much or too little time—can lead to dissatisfaction. When we’re stretched thin, stress takes its toll, while having too much time can make us feel aimless, diminishing our sense of purpose. The key to happiness seems to lie not just in how much time we have, but in finding the right balance and using that time in ways that truly matter to us.
AWARENESS
We’ve all had days where we look back and can’t figure out where the time went—probably more often than we’d like to admit. Understanding where your time actually goes by tracking it can be a very helpful first step in addressing this issue. One effective method is to log your activities every 30 minutes for a few days. Write down what you’re doing at that moment and rate how much happiness and fulfillment you’re getting from it on a scale of 1 to 10. Unsurprisingly, I found that social media was the first thing I needed to cut back on. This simple exercise can be eye-opening, revealing patterns you might not have noticed—like how much time is spent on low-value tasks or how little time is dedicated to activities that bring joy and fulfillment. For example, you might discover that a significant chunk of your day is eaten up by scrolling through social media or responding to emails, while activities that genuinely recharge you, like spending time with loved ones or getting some exercise, constantly get squeezed or rescheduled. Being fully aware of how you spend your time is the first step toward reclaiming it and aligning it more closely with what truly matters.
MINDFULNESS
Often say that multitasking doesn’t work, and as an IT consultant, I take pleasure in challenging misconceptions about technology—misconceptions that often spill over into other parts of our lives, keeping us from being present in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking time to savor a cup of coffee or putting away your AirPods to be fully present as you walk your dog can add more meaning and joy to your day. Connecting with loved ones, indulging in a hobby, or simply appreciating the world around you—while being completely engaged and immersed—can make a world of difference. Instead of letting your days blur together in a rush, mindfulness encourages you to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and fully embrace the moments that bring you happiness.
Our relationship with time is often unconscious, leading to stress and a sense of unfulfillment. However, by shifting our perspective and becoming more intentional with the most important and finite resource we have, we can find a better balance that brings greater happiness and satisfaction. It’s not just about having more time—it’s about using the time we have in ways that align with our values and bring us joy. By being aware, mindful, and deliberate with our time, we can transform how we experience our days and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. If you were to begin your journey to regain control of your time today, what changes would you make to start living more intentionally?
– Burak Sarac, Team Lead
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