In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like time is constantly staring back at us from our phones, laptops, and watches. But it wasn’t always this way. A century ago, people relied on public cues like church bells or the position of the sun to orient their day, rather than precise minutes on a clock.
Research on planning styles has identified two main ways people relate to time: clock timers and event timers. Clock timers rely on external cues like schedules and alarms to guide their tasks, while event timers rely on an internal sense of completion. Each approach has its own implications for how we experience time.
Event timers tend to be more ‘in the moment’, fully immersing themselves in tasks without constantly watching the clock. They have a stronger sense of personal agency, feeling like they are in control of their own time. On the other hand, clock timers often feel like time dictates their behavior, leading to fragmented attention and a lack of control.
While one approach is not inherently better than the other, individuals may be temporarily shifted from one mode to another. Surrounding people with time cues can encourage a more clock-oriented mindset, leading them to be more attentive to time and letting it dictate their behavior.
In today’s digital age, we are constantly exposed to time signals through our devices, priming us for a clock-timer mentality. For those naturally inclined towards clock timing, this may feel efficient and organized, but for event timers, it can create a sense of discomfort.
It’s important to be aware of how digital devices influence our perception of time and to regain some degree of time agency. This may involve creating intentional spaces where the clock fades into the background, allowing us to listen to our internal sense of rhythm and decide for ourselves when something is ready to move on.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between clock time and event time, recognizing when each approach is necessary. By maintaining this flexibility, we can ensure that our relationship with time serves us well in a constantly evolving world.