Our attitude toward time is just as defining as key personality traits such as optimism or sociability– Philip Zimbardo
Hello there! To be honest, this is my first time writing about time. I have a lot of thoughts about time and life, and I believe that like me, you also consider time as the most precious thing in life, right? Before I started writing, I conducted some research on this topic. I discovered lots of interesting facts about time and human personality.
Let’s dive into how your personality evolves! I’m excited to explore this with you.
My sincere gratitude to Zimbardo P. and Boyd J. for being inspirational.
Below are the five key approaches to time perspective, as outlined by Zimbardo’s findings.
Type 1: The ‘past-negative’ type.
If you find yourself answering the questions below with bitterness, it could mean that you’re still focusing on negative personal experiences that have the power to upset you. This can lead to negative emotions and even mental illness.
Try to think about how your past-negative experiences influence your present mood, behavior, and relationships. Have you noticed any patterns or triggers that exacerbate these feelings of bitterness or regret when recalling past events?
Type 2: The Past positive type.
If you’re good at balancing both past and present, as well as planning for the future, then you’re doing great! However, if you’re having difficulties answering the questions below, you may be holding yourself back by prioritizing safety over growth.
Try to think about how your close family ties impact your daily life and decision-making process. Also, how do you navigate the balance between cherishing past memories and embracing new opportunities for growth and adventure?
Type 3: The ‘present-hedonistic’ type.
If you’re able to balance the pursuit of immediate pleasure with the consideration of long-term consequences, then you’re on the right path. However, if you’re struggling to answer the questions below, it may be helpful to balance both pain and pleasure equally, which can help you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Try to think about how you prioritize short-term enjoyment over long-term goals in your daily decision-making. Also, how do you balance the pursuit of immediate pleasure with the consideration of long-term consequences?
Type 4: The ‘present-fatalistic’ type.
If you’re bold enough to answer the questions below, then you’re on the right path. However, if you feel trapped in the present and unable to change for the future, it can lead to anxiety and depression.
Try to think about how you perceive your ability to influence or change the future in your current mindset. Also, what specific activities or practices do you find helpful in breaking free from feelings of being trapped in the present and regaining a sense of control over your future?
Type 5: The ‘future-focused’ type.
If you’re highly ambitious and focused on goals, that’s great! But, it’s important to balance your life for the future as well as for your loved ones who are there for you.
Try to think about whether you ever struggle to find time for relaxation and maintaining close relationships due to your strong focus on planning for the future. Also, do you ever feel like your drive to achieve your goals creates stress or tension in your relationships or personal life? Be aware of your answers to these questions and learn how to balance your life for your future as well as for your relationships.
In conclusion, Zimbardo’s five key approaches to time perspective can help us better understand how our past, present, and future experiences shape our behaviours and emotions. By identifying our time perspective type, we can work towards achieving a balance between our past, present, and future, and create a healthier and happier life. It’s important to be aware of how our personal experiences influence our decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being, and to strive towards finding a healthy balance that works for us.