Beautifully explained and novel info Tim. I've thought about why some of my own moments seemed stretched out, but I never bothered to go down the rabbit hole. Your post here saved me the trip.
Thanks for sharing your story from your youth, and I'm sorry you had to endure and witness that. I remember some times in my life where I wish I had a fast-forward button I could press to just get through something awful because time in those instances felt so slow. And I've lamented thinking about the good moments that I wish I could've slowed down, paused, and even hit a rewind button for.
Oh well, such is life, and perhaps we're all better for the lack of the remote control. It helps us appreciate the more beautiful moments when they come around, knowing we can't freeze or rewind time.
Aug 3, 2023·edited Aug 3, 2023Liked by Tim Denning
Another interesting line of thought, Tim.
Have you noticed that different regions of the world experience time differently?
I’ve been studying and thinking about time from a cross-cultural perspective and like most, realize how different regions & nationalities engage with time. After all, we’ve changed our awareness of time zones due to virtual meetings!
When I lived in the far North and daylight was from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, time moved slowly with so much night. Now, living on the Mediterranean shores, where shops close from 12:30 -3:30 or 4:00 pm, time goes either fast or slow depending on how much you can get done within short windows of access.
And consider this, which influences us the most: past, present, or the future? It has a lot to do with our country of origin!
Americans believe they can accomplish anything so the future has the pull.
For some Europeans, the past with its traditions and hierarchies determines the the present, and perhaps in Latin America it might be family legacies that shape perceptions of time.
Which influences Ozzies, Tim?
Other readers? Which influences you more ? Past, Present, Future?
In France, as a manager or owner, if you even suggest imposing on this personal time, you’d lose your job! As you know, some work to live, others live to work!
Historic take on time: “Fernand Braudel taught us to see that … time was divided into three forms of movement—geographical time, social time, and individual time” … (Memory and the Mediterranean, 1998)
Your sentences contain a few errors. Here's the corrected version:
I needed this knowledge about time. Every other day, I find myself saying how quickly time passes. A year seems to pass in the blink of an eye. I am fascinated to learn about the research-backed facts. Selective attention definitely plays a role in letting us miss the moments, I realize. I function based on selective attention. I am in a phase of life where being on autopilot is all I need because it gets me through the day. But meditation and similar activities, as we Muslims call it praying five times a day (Namaz), can definitely help me in a chaotic routine. Thanks for this wonderful read; it is going to impact my life moving forward.
Sorry it wasnt you... you are fab, it was me who used a tool to check my grammar mistakes and posted it without checking.. this happen when i have 2 little ones hanging from each side but i liked the content so much thay had to share how i felt straight away..
Hey Tim, the elder one is 4 and younger 2.. Have you got experience with kids this age? They are super curious and creative at this age, so a harder work.. and 1+1 is actually 11 for me in summer holidays 😅
Oh my cuteness! Ofcourse this counts as experience, an experience so adorable, full of love and giggles, containing excitements of all the firsts. They are born curious, and by 8 months they are already actively curious, just limited by movements and their size may be... Birthdays are milestones/events and each indicating that we just leveled up in parenting game. I believe our journey/experience already starts as soon as we hold our baby in our arms and that the bestest moment of the whole experience, i believe.
Funny how this popped into my Inbox today, right after I took a doozy of a fall in my kitchen this morning. I slipped on a wet floor that transforms itself into an ice rink when wet. I was carrying something so couldn't cushion my fall in time and I as I went down, time seemed to slow right down. I knew it was going to hurt and there was nothing I could do to stop myself...for a little while there in my state of fear, time kinda felt like someone had hit the slow- mo button as I watched things unfold....almost from another perspective outside myself. It did bloody hurt as I landed on both knees hard, but after I did recall how time had seemed to slow down as I remembered all the small details, the position of objects flying through the air. They say that too about when you are in a state of shock your brain seems to focus on the tiniest most inconsequential details, like a policeman's badge or the detail on clothing, almost as if the brain is in a state of denial about dealing with the trauma at hand so looks for something else to home in on to distract..... Interesting.
Very insightful and thought provoking article. Thanks Tim. Like your idea of framing my experiences through the lens of mortality.: The loss of my husband irrevocably changed my perspective of time and of life. My mantra has become: “Each moment is sacred and it speaks to me.”
Beautifully explained and novel info Tim. I've thought about why some of my own moments seemed stretched out, but I never bothered to go down the rabbit hole. Your post here saved me the trip.
Thanks for sharing your story from your youth, and I'm sorry you had to endure and witness that. I remember some times in my life where I wish I had a fast-forward button I could press to just get through something awful because time in those instances felt so slow. And I've lamented thinking about the good moments that I wish I could've slowed down, paused, and even hit a rewind button for.
Oh well, such is life, and perhaps we're all better for the lack of the remote control. It helps us appreciate the more beautiful moments when they come around, knowing we can't freeze or rewind time.
Beautiful reflection Lucas. Thank you.
Can see the influence of Smart Notes in this article - and it's just what I need, especially looking at mortality as we get older. Thanks
Yep, my 10X course is the process I use to take notes Linda.
I'm taking it - that's why I recognized it. It's improving my work, too - research and output. I appreciate what you and Todd do.
Thanks Linda. Glad you like the course. Nothing better than actionable content and we love people that put into action what we teach.
Another interesting line of thought, Tim.
Have you noticed that different regions of the world experience time differently?
I’ve been studying and thinking about time from a cross-cultural perspective and like most, realize how different regions & nationalities engage with time. After all, we’ve changed our awareness of time zones due to virtual meetings!
When I lived in the far North and daylight was from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, time moved slowly with so much night. Now, living on the Mediterranean shores, where shops close from 12:30 -3:30 or 4:00 pm, time goes either fast or slow depending on how much you can get done within short windows of access.
And consider this, which influences us the most: past, present, or the future? It has a lot to do with our country of origin!
Americans believe they can accomplish anything so the future has the pull.
For some Europeans, the past with its traditions and hierarchies determines the the present, and perhaps in Latin America it might be family legacies that shape perceptions of time.
Which influences Ozzies, Tim?
Other readers? Which influences you more ? Past, Present, Future?
I think Aussies have some great long days which helps alter the perception of time. Future influences me the most. I wish it was present though.
Dumb question: why are shops closed between 12:30 and 3:30?
Long lunches & naps to beat the heat...or, fill in the blank lol.
Wow that's a huge privilege! If we did that in Australia we'd be fired.
In France, as a manager or owner, if you even suggest imposing on this personal time, you’d lose your job! As you know, some work to live, others live to work!
I live in the wrong country! Haha
Historic take on time: “Fernand Braudel taught us to see that … time was divided into three forms of movement—geographical time, social time, and individual time” … (Memory and the Mediterranean, 1998)
I need to research this ASAP
Thanks for that one. Truly interesting.
Glad you think so Yvon.
Your sentences contain a few errors. Here's the corrected version:
I needed this knowledge about time. Every other day, I find myself saying how quickly time passes. A year seems to pass in the blink of an eye. I am fascinated to learn about the research-backed facts. Selective attention definitely plays a role in letting us miss the moments, I realize. I function based on selective attention. I am in a phase of life where being on autopilot is all I need because it gets me through the day. But meditation and similar activities, as we Muslims call it praying five times a day (Namaz), can definitely help me in a chaotic routine. Thanks for this wonderful read; it is going to impact my life moving forward.
Good pick up Madiha. I have the flu today so not feeling the best.
Sorry it wasnt you... you are fab, it was me who used a tool to check my grammar mistakes and posted it without checking.. this happen when i have 2 little ones hanging from each side but i liked the content so much thay had to share how i felt straight away..
Wish you best of health..
How old are your two little ones Madiha?
Hey Tim, the elder one is 4 and younger 2.. Have you got experience with kids this age? They are super curious and creative at this age, so a harder work.. and 1+1 is actually 11 for me in summer holidays 😅
The super curious part is my favorite Madiha.
I have an 8 month old baby. Does that count as experience or do they need to hit their first birthday?
Oh my cuteness! Ofcourse this counts as experience, an experience so adorable, full of love and giggles, containing excitements of all the firsts. They are born curious, and by 8 months they are already actively curious, just limited by movements and their size may be... Birthdays are milestones/events and each indicating that we just leveled up in parenting game. I believe our journey/experience already starts as soon as we hold our baby in our arms and that the bestest moment of the whole experience, i believe.
Funny how this popped into my Inbox today, right after I took a doozy of a fall in my kitchen this morning. I slipped on a wet floor that transforms itself into an ice rink when wet. I was carrying something so couldn't cushion my fall in time and I as I went down, time seemed to slow right down. I knew it was going to hurt and there was nothing I could do to stop myself...for a little while there in my state of fear, time kinda felt like someone had hit the slow- mo button as I watched things unfold....almost from another perspective outside myself. It did bloody hurt as I landed on both knees hard, but after I did recall how time had seemed to slow down as I remembered all the small details, the position of objects flying through the air. They say that too about when you are in a state of shock your brain seems to focus on the tiniest most inconsequential details, like a policeman's badge or the detail on clothing, almost as if the brain is in a state of denial about dealing with the trauma at hand so looks for something else to home in on to distract..... Interesting.
That's super interesting. Our brain can do weird things with time scales.
Very insightful and thought provoking article. Thanks Tim. Like your idea of framing my experiences through the lens of mortality.: The loss of my husband irrevocably changed my perspective of time and of life. My mantra has become: “Each moment is sacred and it speaks to me.”
Sorry for your loss Brenda. Brilliant insight though and thank you.
Wow - epic piece of writing Tim!
Appreciate it Corey.
This is a very intriguing post on the concept of time. We appreciate you taking the time to write and explain it, Tim. 🕰️
No probs.
Many of successful persons lived a short life. But it seems they llived a larger than life. May be their perspective of time made them invincible.
Another great prospect, as usual.
It was a wild time. We both had our brush with death. He's still alive thankfully.
Wise words Nina. I stay right away from knives.
Some days I can take care of myself, other days are chaos with a baby :)