Take aways for the book “ The Time Paradox” by Phillip Zimbardo- The New Psychology of time that will change your life & " The eight pillars of prosperity by James Allan.
By: Justin Williams
The wise say time is fleeting. Moments pass. The seasons go by. The next thing that we know, we are old and the window in which we have in order to complete our dreams grows thinner and thinner. Often we ignore our own intuition when its telling us to start now, to start today. " I am the person that will make this happen and manifest into fruition."
One day when I was fourteen years of age, I had a breakthrough that changed my life. My melanin skin was still young and innocent, non broken by the world. My mind was like as sponge, soaking up every ounce of my environment- the good, bad, and everything in-between. The last thing I remember from that evolutionary night still leaves me speechless.
While laying on my back, in a deep state of mediation- a regular coping practice I naively hid from my family, my mind changed places. It shifted like a key gentle rattling and pushing back the release from a locked door knob. In milliseconds, I changed perspective from being hedonist, to becoming future orientated. It all started with a bucket list. I imagined the life that I wanted to live. I knew that there would be no shortcomings of suffering in achieving this bucket list. The way the I gazed at the bucket list, spoke volumes to the determination of a young Afro Latino man in america. Since then, I have been at work.
The talk walked further then the walk in many instances between then and now. I could have achieved so much more, so much sooner, had I had a solid foundation and the proper structure of priorities in which to use my time. After much reflection, journaling , healing, and very necessary isolation. I've finally began to draft an inter generational value system for prosperity for generations to come. Now, every decision I make is carefully sifted through a refined set of priorities and values in which encompass each value. This is what is means to be future orientated.
Furthermore, I would like to share with you some takes away from the books which inspired such action and this writing.
Book #1: The time paradox by Phillip Zimbardo
Book #2: " The eight pillars of prosperity " by James Allen
Time. Oh father time, there are many lessons to be learned. Time is a finite resource that we all have in equal measure. However, the way we think about and experience time can vary widely, depending on our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. In his book "The Time Paradox," psychologist Philip Zimbardo explores different time perspectives and their impact on our well-being. By reframing our relationship with time, we can improve our quality of life and feel more fulfilled and happy. Here are some ways to do that:
Embrace the future & bend reality.
The bucket list I created when I was 14.
One of the key insights from Zimbardo's book is that people who have a strong future orientation tend to be more successful, healthier, and happier than those who focus primarily on the past or present. By visualizing a positive and meaningful future, we can motivate ourselves to work towards our goals and overcome obstacles along the way. To cultivate a future-oriented mindset, try setting specific goals, creating a vision board, or practicing visualization exercises.
Here is a simple visualization exercise to help you manifest your goals and dream life:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place where you won't be disturbed for a few minutes.
- Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind of any distractions.
- Begin to visualize your ideal life. Imagine that you have already achieved all of your goals and are living the life of your dreams. Try to make this visualization as detailed and vivid as possible.
- Imagine that you are standing in front of a mirror. Look at yourself and notice how happy and fulfilled you are. See the joy in your eyes and the smile on your face.
- Now, imagine that you are holding a picture of your dream life in your hands. This could be a vision board, a collage, or just a mental image of what you want your life to look like.
- Visualize yourself stepping into the picture, as if you are stepping into your dream life. Feel the excitement and gratitude that comes with achieving your goals.
- Take a few deep breaths and imagine yourself living in this reality every day. See yourself making progress toward your goals and achieving them one by one.
- When you are ready, slowly open your eyes and return to the present moment. Carry the positive energy and motivation from your visualization with you as you work toward your goals in your daily life.
- This visualization exercise can help you clarify your goals, cultivate positive energy, and focus your mind on the life you want to create. It is a simple but powerful tool for manifesting your dream life.
Value your time and prioritize accordingly.
My grandmothers watch. A constant reminder to remind me that I am first generation and building wealth for generations to come.
When we don't value our time, we may waste it on unimportant tasks or distractions. To make the most of your time, it's important to identify your priorities and focus on what matters most. This may involve saying "no" to certain commitments or delegating tasks to others. By aligning your actions with your values, you can feel more fulfilled and purposeful in your daily life.
Practice mindfulness and presence.
Shot of Vivian at Taino Studios
Although a future-oriented mindset can be beneficial, it's also important to be present in the moment and savor the experiences that life has to offer. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can help you cultivate a sense of calm and centeredness, even in the midst of stress or uncertainty. By being fully engaged in the present moment, you can reduce anxiety and increase your enjoyment of life.
Build positive relationships with others.
Shot of Sip & Paint at Taino Studios.
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