Who commands who?

Is it time that controls you or do you control time?

Now here's a good topic for the end of the day. Similar to the chicken and egg puzzle: "who came first?". Anyway, we could spend the whole day here and still not be able to decide for sure.

That said, we all know what it feels like to feel like time is controlling us and that we are on autopilot. It is common, especially in today's society, with so many distractions, for this feeling to grow. And when can this feeling arise? And if it does, what can I do differently?

I will present 5 common situations in which we feel that time controls us, along with suggestions on what we can do differently to take back control of our lives:

1. Repetitive and Exhaustive Work Routine

• Situation: Many of us experience days that feel the same, where we go from work to home, and from home to work, without seeing a clear purpose or personal progress. It's as if the days pass too quickly without us having time to "really live."

• What to do differently: Instead of getting caught up in an automatic routine, it’s essential to incorporate small breaks and moments of reflection throughout your day. This could be a moment of meditation, a short walk, or a journaling session. These moments of pause help you to understand what you’re feeling and what you want, while also helping to reduce the feeling of being in a never-ending cycle.

2. Agenda Full of Commitments and Obligations

• Situation: A calendar full of tasks, meetings and appointments makes time seem to slip through our fingers. The busier we are, the harder it is to pay attention to the present, and we end up focusing only on the "next" commitment.

• What to do differently: Try applying the concept of “less is more” to your schedule. Carefully evaluate which activities are truly essential and which can be eliminated or delegated. Another tip is to set aside “untouchable time” in your schedule, a fixed period where you can focus on activities that matter to you without experiencing interruptions. This time could be dedicated to a hobby, reading or just relaxing.

3. Social Media Mistakes and Digital Distractions

• Situation: Frequent use of mobile phones and social media can make us lose track of time, especially when we are browsing without a clear purpose. A casual scroll can quickly consume hours, fueling the feeling of loss of control.

• What to do differently: Set clear limits on your social media use. Some methods include using apps that track screen time or setting specific times to check social media instead of impulsively accessing it. Another option is to try alternative activities, such as reading a book, pursuing an offline hobby, or even meditating. These choices bring us more presence and meaning.

4. Feeling of Constant Procrastination

• Situation: When we procrastinate, we put off important tasks and, as a result, we end up feeling constant pressure as the deadline approaches. This creates the feeling that time is “chasing us” and that we can never complete them on time.

• What to do differently: Combating procrastination requires identifying the cause. Often, we procrastinate on tasks because they seem overwhelming. Breaking a large task into smaller steps and setting small goals can help reduce the feeling of urgency. Another technique is to use the “Pomodoro method,” where you work in short bursts of high productivity, followed by breaks of rest.

5. Feeling of Not Achieving Personal Goals

• Situation: When we focus only on daily obligations and do not dedicate time to our dreams and personal goals, we feel like time is passing without us being able to achieve what really matters to us.

• What to do differently: Plan weekly moments to assess your progress towards your long-term goals. This habit allows you to disconnect from routine activities and focus on what really matters for your personal development. It is also important to ensure that these goals are clear and realistic, so that each small step forward brings a sense of achievement.

Each of these situations reflects the pressure we feel when we don't manage our time well, but with small changes in behavior, we can regain the feeling that we are living more consciously.