Introduction (Soundcloud Podcast)
Good morning or good afternoon, wherever you are. Today’s reflection comes from my experience watching dolphins off the coast. It was a calm morning, and as I stood on the beach, I couldn’t help but admire how these creatures moved so effortlessly. They weren’t in a rush; they were gliding through the water, doing what they do best.
Watching them reminded me of how time and life work for humans, especially when balancing the short-term pleasures we seek and the long-term benefits we often overlook. Let’s explore the concept of time and how our perception of it changes depending on our love for what we’re doing.
The Perception of Time: Love Versus Obligation
Albert Einstein famously said that time is relative. When waiting for a loved one at the train station, one minute can feel like an hour. But when you’re saying goodbye, an hour can feel like a minute. This encapsulates a powerful idea: time flies when you’re engaged in something you love. But every minute seems to drag on when you’re doing something you dislike.
In essence, life feels shorter when we’re doing the things we love and longer when we’re doing the things we don’t. This applies not only to our personal lives but also to our work. The day can feel like an eternity when you’re working as an employee. However, when you’re the boss, in control of your destiny, and choosing to love your work, the day can pass in the blink of an eye.
The Rowing Machine: A Lesson in Time Perception
Let me share with you one of my daily battles with time. I have a rowing machine on my balcony, and every morning, I decide to use it. Once upon a time, I would have gone to a rowing club, taken out a boat, and rowed on the river. But now, the hassle of driving there, getting changed, and dealing with the logistics has lost its appeal. So, I stick to my balcony rowing machine for a quick, all-body workout.
Yet, those 10 minutes on the machine feel like the longest part of my day. I pull the handle, push with my legs, and imagine gliding across a lake. But when I checked the timer, only one minute had passed, even though it felt like 10. I close my eyes, row some more and check again for two minutes. It’s a test of willpower and creativity to get through those 10 minutes.
The Difference Between Competition and Routine
When I used to row competitively, 10 minutes on the river flew by. In a race, you focus on your boat, competitors, and the finish line. The adrenaline of competition drives you; before you know it, the race is over. But rowing on a machine, alone, with no competitors, makes every minute feel painfully slow.
So, why do I do it? There’s no immediate gratification, no competition to motivate me. I continue because of the long-term benefit. Rowing works for every muscle group in my body, and in just 10 minutes, I can achieve the equivalent of an hour-long gym session.
The Long-Term Payoff of Hard Work
Here’s the truth: the rowing machine doesn’t offer me any short-term rewards. I’m not doing it to look like a bodybuilder but to maintain my health for as long as possible. It’s preventive maintenance for my body—an investment in the future rather than instant pleasure.
This parallels life itself. Often, we invest time in things that won’t offer immediate rewards but serve as prevention for long-term problems. Whether it’s avoiding financial issues, maintaining mental health, or keeping our physical well-being intact, much of what we do is about long-term success, and that can make the present moment feel tedious.
Distracting Ourselves from the Monotony
I’ve tried various strategies to make the rowing machine experience more bearable. On weekends, I row for 20 minutes while watching a video on my iPad. It helps distract me from the monotony, allowing the time to pass more quickly. Whether it’s watching a documentary, the replay of the Tour de France, or the Olympics, distraction has its place in making hard tasks more manageable.
However, relying on distraction as a coping mechanism isn’t the best metaphor for life. Ideally, we should be fully present and find gratification in every moment. But sometimes, that’s just not possible. Many of the things we do—whether it’s cooking, working out, or even setting goals—require us to focus on the long-term benefits despite the lack of immediate reward.
The Equation of Time and Gratification
Everything in life comes down to the value of time. If we’re receiving gratification in the moment, time flies. But time can drag when we’re working towards something that won’t give us instant results. And yet, short-term gratification often leads to long-term problems, while long-term effort leads to lasting success.
When setting goals, it’s essential to recognise that not every goal will give you immediate pleasure. Some goals—like working out, eating healthy, or saving money—are about preventing future issues. The key is to push through the discomfort in the short term to enjoy the rewards in the long term.
Conclusion: Why We Must Embrace the Struggle
Ultimately, it’s not always about pleasure in the present moment. Sometimes, it’s about the ambition to create something valuable in the long term. So, the effort is worth it, whether it’s spending 10 minutes on a rowing machine or working on a project that won’t pay off for years. Because if we don’t do these things now, we’ll pay the price later.
Remember, it’s not always about what feels good today. It’s about what will make your future better. Keep pushing forward, stay disciplined, and recognise that the long-term rewards will make the short-term struggles worthwhile.
This is Chris. Have a great day.
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