Why Fixating on Every Minute Undermines Your Well-Being

Adopting a broader perspective on time—seeing it in terms of days, weeks, and years rather than just minutes—can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life and well-being. This approach shifts focus from the relentless pressure of managing every minute to a more holistic view that prioritizes long-term fulfillment and meaningful experiences. By considering time as a continuum rather than a series of isolated moments, individuals can alleviate the stress associated with minute-to-minute management and redirect their energy toward activities that truly enrich their lives. This shift helps reduce anxiety over trivial details and fosters a sense of balance, allowing for more thoughtful planning and deeper satisfaction. Here is what this UCLA Anderson Review article explores how adopting a broader perspective on time can enhance a person’s well-being.

According to the article, viewing time from a broader perspective—encompassing days, weeks, and years rather than just minutes—can enhance overall well-being. The article suggests that this “bird’s-eye view” approach helps individuals balance urgent tasks with those that provide greater satisfaction, leading to increased happiness. Research conducted by UCLA and Stanford scholars, including Cassie Mogilner Holmes and Hal Hershfield, reveals that a broader view of time correlates with spending more time on meaningful activities. The article explains that adopting this perspective allows individuals to prioritize long-term goals and activities over immediate, less fulfilling tasks. This shift from focusing on the urgency of today’s tasks to a more comprehensive view of time helps people allocate their time to activities that contribute to overall life satisfaction and well-being. The article concludes that such an approach can positively impact one’s affect, life satisfaction, and overall flourishing.

Appreciating a broader view of time encourages individuals to prioritize important life goals and personal growth, rather than being overwhelmed by the constant demands of immediate concerns. The aforementioned text highlights the impact it has on an individual’s well-being.