005 fear of wasting time—productivity
Lately, a concept that’s been coming up in conversations with my clients is time and their relationship to it.
We often don't realize just how frequently time shows up in our everyday language. Phrases like “wasting time,” “time flies,” and “running out of time” are so commonly used that we may not even notice how they shape our thinking. These expressions carry an underlying sense of urgency and scarcity about time, which can stir up feelings of “time anxiety.”
In a world where it’s easy to compare ourselves to others, it can often feel like we’re not using our time wisely or that we've been irresponsible with it in the past. This can lead to persistent worry that we are falling behind and missing out on opportunities.
At its core, the fear of wasting time is often a fear of regret—worrying that we’ll look back and wish we had spent our time differently to achieve different outcomes. This fear can apply to major life decisions, like choosing a college, a career path, or even a place to live. But it also extends to smaller, everyday choices, like how we spend a weekend or even how we use a free afternoon. It’s easy to get caught up in the belief that every minute not spent working towards a goal is a minute wasted.
Living in such a fast-paced and goal-oriented society, it is no surprise that many of us experience a fear of wasting time. This fear often stems from a rigid, deep-seated belief that every moment must be maximized for productivity or self-improvement. This is likely why so many of us feel guilty about resting, taking breaks, or simply not accomplishing enough during the day. The pressure to use time "wisely" can lead to a persistent sense of anxiety and even a feeling of failure when things don't go as planned, or when downtime is perceived as unproductive.
But what if we redefined what productivity means?
Productivity should not just be about ticking off tasks from a never-ending to-do list. True productivity includes taking care of yourself and nurturing your relationships. It involves making time for rest, creativity, and activities that bring you joy—even if they don’t have a clear outcome. When we recognize that rest and leisure are not just acceptable but essential parts of a balanced life, we can begin to see them as forms of productivity in their own right.
Engaging in rest intentionally allows us to recharge and connect with ourselves on a deeper level!
It is also about shifting from a mindset of scarcity—constantly fearing there’s never enough time—to one of abundance, where every moment has potential, whether it’s used for action or rest.
Ultimately, it’s not just about how we use our time, but how we relate to it. Embracing a more compassionate and flexible approach can help us feel more at ease, letting go of the constant pressure to always be doing more and instead, appreciating the value of simply being you!
