Imagine no longer viewing your time as a scarce resource, but as your most valuable asset — a gift you can shape consciously. That is the essence of our 13th Time Impulse: a fundamental shift in perspective that can profoundly transform your relationship with time.
Why we need a new way of looking at time
In today’s society, a problematic attitude toward time has taken hold. We speak of “time pressure,” “time shortage,” and of “not having time.” This language shapes our thinking — and ultimately our experience. In doing so, we forget a fundamental truth: every human being has exactly 24 hours a day, no more and no less.
The decisive difference does not lie in the amount of time available, but in our perspective on it. While some perceive time as a constant burden, others experience it as a precious resource they can actively shape.
From scarcity to appreciation
Our inner attitude toward time largely determines how we experience it. Consider these two fundamentally different perspectives:
The scarcity perspective: “I never have enough time.” This mindset leads to stress, rush, and a constant feeling of falling behind.
The appreciation perspective: “My time is valuable, and I decide how to use it.”
This attitude enables self-determination and a more fulfilling experience of time.
Shifting — the shift — from the first perspective to the second can transform your entire experience of life. It is not about superficial positive thinking, but about a profound realignment of your relationship with time.
The power of conscious time design
Time is life — and the way you perceive your time shapes how you experience your life. When you begin to see time as something you can actively shape, new possibilities open up:
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You recognize that in every moment, you have choices about how to spend your time.
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You take responsibility for your time decisions instead of feeling like a victim of external circumstances.
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You learn to consciously distinguish between what is important and what is merely urgent.
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You gain a renewed sense of sovereignty over your lifetime.
This changed perspective doesn’t automatically create more time — but it dramatically increases the quality of your time experience.
Practical impulses for shifting your perspective
How can you concretely change the way you view time? Here are five practical suggestions:
Replace the phrase “I don’t have time” with “This is not important enough to me right now.”
This linguistic shift reminds you of your own power of choice.
Keep a “time gratitude journal.”
Each evening, write down three moments in which you experienced your time as especially valuable.
Plan intentional “time islands” in your day — moments that belong entirely to you and that you shape according to your wishes.
Regularly reflect on your “time thieves.”
Which activities, people, or thought patterns rob you of a sense of time sovereignty? How might you reduce their influence?
Experiment with different time perspectives.
View a day from a bird’s-eye perspective: What will matter in a year? What in ten years?
The art of perspective shifting in everyday life
A shift in perspective is not a one-time event but a continuous practice. It’s about pausing regularly to ask yourself:
“How am I viewing my time right now? And how could I see it differently?”
This ability is especially valuable in moments when we feel stressed or under time pressure. Precisely then, a conscious shift in perception — a mental step back and a reevaluation — can work wonders.
Your time is your life. And the way you look at your time largely determines the way you experience your life. Start shifting your perspective today — and observe how your experience of time transforms.
FAQ on “Shift Time”
1. How can I sustainably change my view of time?
A sustainable shift in perspective arises through continuous awareness and practice. Begin with small daily reflection moments in which you question your attitude toward time. Over time, you will develop a new time awareness that becomes increasingly natural.
2. What are typical signs of a negative time perspective?
Frequent phrases like “I don’t have time,” a chronic sense of time pressure, constantly rushing from one appointment to the next, and the feeling of chasing life all point to a problematic time perspective.
3. How does a positive time perspective affect stress levels?
A more appreciative view of your time noticeably reduces stress. When we see time as a self-determined resource rather than an external constraint, our cortisol levels drop and our sense of well-being rises.
4. Can you change your time perspective even during stressful life phases?
Especially in stressful phases, a shift in perspective is particularly valuable. Start with brief moments of mindful time awareness and small decisions that strengthen your sense of time sovereignty. Even minimal adjustments can have a big impact under pressure.
5. How is time perspective connected to the concept of work–life balance?
A healthy time perspective is the foundation of balanced work–life integration. If you see your time as valuable and self-determined, you make more conscious decisions about how to distribute it across different areas of life.
6. What influence does the digital world have on our time perspective?
Digital media often encourage a fragmented, reactive perception of time. A deliberate shift in perspective helps counteract this trend and supports more self-determined time decisions even in a digital environment.
7. How can I help others shift their perspective on time?
The most effective way is by example. When you develop and communicate a respectful, sovereign relationship with your own time, you naturally inspire others. Avoid lecturing — instead, share your personal experiences and insights.
This time impulse is part of our Your Time principle—a philosophy that helps you develop a new awareness of your personal time and manage it more confidently. Discover all 28 time impulses and change your view of time.
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