Trapped in Time, Running from Time, and Missing the Damn Moment
You know what’s wild?
There was a recent phase in my life when time just... stopped. Like, completely. Every second dragged like it was trying to break the world record for “slowest moment ever.” I was stuck in this loop, thinking, “Will this misery ever end?” Time felt like that one clingy guest at a party who doesn’t get the hint to leave.
But suddenly? It’s like someone hit the fast-forward button on my life. The period have disappeared faster than my salary in a month. I blink, and boom—months gone. Suddenly, I’m full of energy, vibing with life, wondering if I accidentally drank some sort of cosmic Red Bull.
What changed?
Let me introduce you to the shady cousin of real time:
Psychological Time.Meet Psychological Time: The Drama Queen in Your Brain
You know how your body’s in one place, but your brain has already written three future disaster scripts and revisited that embarrassing thing you said in 2009?
Yeah. That’s psychological time.
It’s the brain’s way of hijacking the moment and tossing you into either:
- The Museum of Regrets (Past)
- Or the Hall of Horrible What-Ifs (Future)
Meanwhile, life is standing there, sipping coffee, going, “Um, you good bro?”
Clock Time vs. Psychological Time (A Sassy Comparison)
-
Clock Time is the adult in the room. It helps you show up to your dental appointment, catch flights, and meet deadlines. It’s responsible. Boring, but useful.
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Psychological Time is that overthinking gremlin living rent-free in your head, whispering things like,
“Remember that awkward text from last year?”
“What if your boss hates you?”
“Maybe that mole is fatal.”
And suddenly, you're spiraling. Not because anything actually happened… but because your brain decided to hold a full-blown anxiety parade.
Why We Keep Getting Stuck (and Can't Find the Exit Sign)
Let me tell you a tragic tale: I watched one bad news clip and spent the next three hours emotionally processing it like it was my own personal crisis. I mean, sure, I was just sipping tea in my living room, but my mind was basically in a warzone.
Now imagine it's not the news—it’s something personal. A breakup. That awkward whatsap call where you said “Thanks you.”
Boom. You're trapped in your mind’s own Netflix drama: “Overthinker Diaries: Season 7.”
How to Break Up with Psychological Time (Without Ghosting Reality)
Look, I’m not saying ignore your problems and start petting unicorns. But maybe—just maybe—we don’t have to obsessively rewatch the same tragic brain movie every day.
Here’s the cheat code:
- Use Clock Time like a boss – Plan, schedule, show up.
- Avoid marinating in thoughts – If there's nothing you can do right now, take a breath and stop doom-scrolling your own brain.
- Be where your butt is – Sounds weird, but think about it. If your body is in the kitchen, and your brain is in 2032, you’ve officially time-traveled… and not in a cool way.
Present Moment ...Now Streaming , Limited Time offer
Want peace of mind?
Want to stop fighting invisible dragons all day?
Try this: Just be here. With your snack. Or your task. Or your nap. Whatever it is, do it like it’s the only thing that exists.
Because honestly, it is
“The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.”
— Some poetic insect, probably chilling in a garden, not worried about their email inbox
So maybe we should stop measuring life in deadlines, worries, and mental reruns. Maybe we should just count the good coffee sips, the songs we vibed to, and the tiny wins.
Time’s weird. But present? That’s magic.
100% agreed Sir. That is why present is called as a gift.
ReplyDeleteAt this very moment, many of us are either replaying the past or rehearsing the future—while life's most meaningful opportunities unfold before us, unnoticed.
ReplyDeleteTime itself is neutral; it's our perception of time that becomes either our prison or our pathway.
While clock time maintains order and progress, psychological time often chains us to unproductive cycles of regret and anxiety.
The solution? Pause. Breathe. Recognize that true leadership and growth emerge not from dwelling on what was or fearing what might be, but from fully committing to what is.
The past offers lessons, not lodging. The future presents possibilities, not shackles. But the present? This is where cadets learn, leaders inspire, and institutions transform.
Let us consciously release what no longer serves us. Let us meet each challenge as it comes, not as we imagine it might. Most importantly, let us be here—completely—before "here" becomes just another memory.
Your greatest opportunity isn't approaching—it's awaiting your attention right now.
Thank you, Sir, for providing me the opportunity to share these thoughts in this space.
With deepest respect,
Excellent write up. Loved the cheat code. Actually a well penned down blog!
ReplyDeleteExcellent piece
ReplyDeleteJai hind sir, very informative and excellent write up. Lots of respect and regards.
ReplyDeleteGood one, enjoyed reading every bit of it
ReplyDeleteInspiring to think of world ought to be.... Brave to spk your mind... Learnt new defn : psychological time
ReplyDeleteInspiring content
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful thoughts love it lots of respect from me keep up the. Good work
ReplyDeleteWonderfully penned down Rajneesh. The metaphors used are so relatable and thought provoking… great buddy
ReplyDelete