What if rather than focusing on how long something took, we focused on how far we went?
According to Parkinson’s first law, work enlarges to fill the time available for its completion; things to be done grow in perceived importance and complexity in direct ratio with the time allowed for completion.
The root of the word decision means to cut-away and remove other options. Thus, when a decision is made, it is separated from other decisions which could have been made. There are opportunity costs to every decision.
For the majority of people, internal and external constraints limit that freedom. External constraints are inflicted upon us (such as cultural norms, family upbringing, and the global economy). Internal constraints (such as fear, insecurities, and lack of knowledge) we inflict upon ourselves.
making radical and dramatic, even instantaneous changes in your day-to-day routine is an excellent way to slow time. Research indicates that perception of elapsed time is primarily influenced by the type and amount of new experiences encountered within that time. The more new experiences, the slower time was perceived to have passed.
Jim Collins explains in Good to Great that once-in-a-lifetime opportunities happen every day. The problem is that people don’t see them for what they are. Those who become the greatest and go the farthest are highly selective about what they take on. They are clear on where they want to go and recognize that most of what life offers will not get them there. Almost everything in life is a non-essential distraction.
Slowing time is all about living presently, creating memories, and spending as much time as possible on the things that truly matter. This obviously includes removing everything from your life that speed time up. These distractions include: people who hold you back, social norms and expectations, fear, and traditional approaches.
Bucket Lists are more fun than goals. They’re more fun to talk about. They’re more fun to think about and visualize. And you want the experience of mental creation to be fun. You want it to be compelling and exciting. It’s got to be an emotional experience you resonate with if you want to tap the deepest wells of motivation.
