Creating Time: Why Do We Worry About Time? - Book Giveaway!

We are giving away a copy of Creating Time: Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life, by Marni K. Makridakis. Check out this excerpt on why we worry about time, and then leave a comment for a chance to win your own copy of this book!

WORRYING ABOUT TIME
An Excerpt from Creating Time by Marney Makridakis

Try this: Imagine who you would be if you didn’t worry about time. How might your life be different? I surveyed fifty-two people, and the results revealed that 90 percent felt “somewhat anxious” to “significantly anxious” about time. What’s even more startling is that these results don’t even seem all that surprising. Anxiety about time is very much a part of most of our lives. Think back to a time when you greeted a casual acquaintance and asked how he was, and he said, “Great! Things are fantastic!” It can be almost jarring when someone responds so positively. Somehow we’re more conditioned to expect to hear people complain that they are tired, or sigh that they are busy.

It’s helpful to dig deeply to figure out what is at the root of our problems with time. Why do we overschedule ourselves? Why do we want to be so busy? Why are we so consumed with time? Why does it seem so “normal” to worry about time so much? Why is it easier to be caught up in a drama about time than it is to be released from it?

In short, what is the payoff for worrying about time?

When I examine this question myself, I can recognize that the more I complain about time, the more I block my ability to accept and express love and connection. Violette Clark shared, “I suppose not having enough time, or the illusion of believing this, makes us feel important. I also realize it keeps me safe. There have been a lot of dreams that I’ve accomplished, including publishing a book, but there have been a lot of balls that I’ve dropped, too, in the name of ‘not having enough time.’ Putting myself out there more fully means more potential for rejection. Sometimes not ‘going for my dreams’ is safer.”

Similarly, artist Peggy Lynn boldly admitted that time complaints are related to ego: “The ‘I’m too busy’ implication does stroke the ego: ‘Oh, look at me — busy, busy, busy!’” A workshop participant shared that her worries about time give her an excuse and an outside source for not following her dreams. She said, “I’ve never been someone who likes to blame, but now I suddenly realize that I’ve actually been blaming time. I don’t have enough time, and so that’s why I don’t go after this dream, or that’s why I haven’t tried this or followed up on that. Then it’s not my fault. This was a big discovery for me!”

Next: what are the “payoffs” of time worry?

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kirsty B.

10:20AM PDT on Jul 20, 2012

This article resonates so much with me! I worry about time passing by that I don't actually enjoy the time I have. I think that this book would be very helpful in helping me turn my life around so that I can enjoy the little things in life and not be afraid to try new experiences!

July 20
send a green star

Diana C.

9:55AM PDT on Jul 20, 2012

At the end of the day, there is always more to do! I look back on the day just past and wonder where all the time went. I guess I just don't get the concept of managing time--it always seems to manage me!

Annette G.

10:59AM PDT on Jul 19, 2012

Time, using it wisely, and being "on time" has been the bane of my lifetime! Could really use this book . . .

July 19
send a green star

Lori P.

6:06PM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

I find I'm always happiest (and a better mom, wife, daughter, employee) when I've taken a bit of time for myself! : )

July 17
send a green star

Mac C.

2:01PM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

Excellent points from the book in the article--- sounds like a good book. Thank you for posting the excerpt.

Shelby P.

10:44AM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

I'm the one who's doing GREAT! But I would LOVE to have more time, for friends, for creativity, for all of the wonderful things life has to offer ...

Bonnie R.

9:37AM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

Time, there never seems to be enough of it when you need it, too much of it when it passes slowly and when you want to create it can be disrupted. Time to create, paint, draw, or just mess around. This book may be just what I need lol.

Gayle B.

8:48AM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

I am currently in the ARTbundance ACT 7 Training and, although I have only just completed week 1, I can see it is going to help me to "defrag" my life to free up more space and energy (can you tell I just defragged my computer?). I'm in the training but I do not own this book and would like to! Fingers crossed that I win.

Kay S.

8:10AM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

I've become such a fan of Marney Makradakis. While I love her insight, it's the processes she leads me through to discover my own that makes me want to spend time on her website and in this book. I bought this the day it came out.

Creating Time - good time.

Past Member .

7:56AM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

I like the concept of having choice!