Just as nature has seasons, so do our lives. There are times when everything seems to flow effortlessly, and others when it feels like we’re simply waiting. Recognizing the season you’re in is a powerful way to gain perspective on your time and make it work for you.
Dead Time vs. Alive Time
Ryan Holiday’s Ego is the Enemy presents the idea of “dead time” and “alive time.” Dead time refers to periods when life feels stagnant—moments of inaction or waiting that can feel unproductive or even painful. This could be anything from a job loss to an injury that puts life on pause. Alive time, on the other hand, is when we use these down moments to learn, grow, and prepare for a brighter future.
You always have a choice in these moments: endure them as dead time, or turn them into alive time. Let’s look at an example from history: President Jimmy Carter. After losing his reelection bid in 1980, he could have wallowed in disappointment and anger. Instead, he channeled his efforts into creating the Carter Center, an organization that has mediated international conflicts and advanced human rights globally. Through this work, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He transformed his “dead time” into something profoundly meaningful by focusing on his core values and taking action to further them.
Imagine the power of this shift. When we are facing a season that feels like dead time, we can recognize it as a gift—an opportunity to prepare, build skills, and grow stronger. This choice to transform dead time into alive time brings freedom, resilience, and a lasting impact on our life’s path.
Shifting Your Perception of Time
In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks challenges us to change our language around time. By reframing time from something that restricts us to something abundant, we empower ourselves to take ownership of it. This shift can be as simple as eliminating phrases like “I don’t have time” from our vocabulary.
Instead, ask yourself: “What are my priorities?” Often, when we say we don’t have time, it’s because we’re prioritizing other things. Hendricks reminds us that time is not external; it’s internal. This reframe can be a powerful way to realize that there’s no such thing as “too much” or “too little” time—only the time we need for what matters.
To help shift your perspective, try focusing your attention on the present moment. When you’re fully engaged, time seems to stretch, allowing you to do more with a calm and clear mind. Start by paying attention to how often you check the clock or feel rushed. Are there certain activities or people that make time feel abundant? Use these insights to design a relationship with time that feels aligned with who you are.
Practical Tips for Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Time
To make the most of your time, it’s essential to integrate both big-picture thinking and actionable daily strategies. Here are a few tips to bring you closer to your ideal relationship with time:
- Eliminate Time-Based Complaints
Notice how often you catch yourself saying, “I don’t have time.” Swap this phrase for something more empowering like, “That’s not a priority for me right now.” You’ll feel less restricted and start to see how time can be shaped according to your focus and intentions. - Mind Your Priorities, Not Your Clock
Instead of watching the clock, ask yourself if the task aligns with your values and goals. Reframe your relationship with your to-do list so that it serves you, not the other way around. - Use Parkinson’s Law to Your Advantage
Parkinson’s Law states that “work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion.” If you give yourself an entire afternoon to write an email, you may take the whole afternoon. Try setting shorter, intentional blocks of time for tasks. You’ll likely find that you can complete your work efficiently, freeing up time for other pursuits. - Dopamine Depletion Exercise
Many of us constantly seek instant gratification, which can hinder our ability to enjoy the present. Take a day or two to avoid unnecessary dopamine hits like scrolling social media or snacking impulsively. This simple exercise can reset your brain and help you focus on long-term fulfillment rather than fleeting distractions. - Create a Weekly Review
Schedule a weekly check-in to evaluate how you’re spending your time. Are you honoring your priorities? Reflect on what brought you joy, what felt aligned, and where you can improve. This practice will help you feel more in control and create momentum toward your goals.
The Law of Attraction and Time
The Law of Attraction suggests that our thoughts and focus attract more of what we think about. By focusing on abundance and gratitude, we cultivate a sense of time richness. Here’s an exercise to align your thoughts with your desired relationship with time:
Each morning, take a few minutes to visualize your day going smoothly and your time being well-spent. Picture yourself moving through your tasks with ease and joy. Imagine being fully present in each moment and feeling grateful for each experience. This simple exercise can set a positive tone and help you attract more time abundance into your life.
Goal Setting and Time Management for Different Seasons
Our goals change as we move through different seasons in life. During a time of growth, you may want to dedicate more time to career development or personal projects. In a season of rest, you may prioritize family or personal well-being.
Consider breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps that can be woven into your daily life. Whether it’s a 10-minute meditation or one hour of focused work on a project, these small steps add up and bring a sense of accomplishment and alignment with your purpose.
Finding Joy in the Process
In pursuing a healthy relationship with time, remember that it’s not about doing more but about finding joy in the moments you have. It’s easy to fall into the trap of always waiting for the next season, the next achievement, or the next goal to feel fulfilled. But true fulfillment comes when we realize that every season, every moment, has its own unique gifts.
Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures in your daily routine, like the taste of your morning coffee or the feel of the sun on your face. By fully immersing yourself in these small moments, you cultivate a deeper sense of presence and gratitude for the time you have.
Embracing the Flow of Time
A meaningful relationship with time is about balance—understanding when to push forward and when to pause. It’s also about recognizing that time is fluid, shaped by our perceptions and priorities. When you release the need to control every moment, you create space for life to surprise and delight you.
Building a Lasting Relationship with Time
As you reflect on your relationship with time, remember that this journey is unique to you. Your time is yours to shape, and by embracing its seasons, you can experience a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Set goals, use the tools of focus and presence, and enjoy each moment you create. Just as Jimmy Carter transformed his dead time into something extraordinary, you, too, can make the most of each season.
Remember, time is not something to fight against; it’s something to flow with. Approach each day with gratitude, knowing you have enough time for everything that truly matters.
Quote for Reflection:
“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.’” – Lao Tzu
With a mindset of gratitude and an intentional approach to each season, you’ll find that time can be your greatest ally in creating a life filled with purpose, joy, and peace. Embrace it, and let it guide you toward a life that truly fulfills.
