How Taking Back Control of Your Time Creates More Happiness Than Wealth or Career Ever Will

Many people believe that the key to happiness is having more money or a successful career. They work hard, chase promotions, and accumulate wealth, hoping that these will bring them satisfaction and joy. However, research shows that beyond a certain point, income and career achievements have little impact on happiness. In fact, pursuing these goals may come at the expense of something that matters much more for happiness: time.

Time is a precious and limited resource that we often take for granted. We spend it on things that we don’t enjoy, that don’t align with our values, or that don’t contribute to our well-being. We waste it on distractions, procrastination, or mindless activities. We trade it for money, status, or convenience, without considering the opportunity cost. We let others dictate how we use it, without asserting our own preferences and boundaries.

But time is also a powerful and flexible resource that we can use to enhance our happiness. We can use it on things that we love, that give us meaning, or that make us grow. We can use it to connect with ourselves, with others, or with nature. We can use it to pursue our passions, hobbies, or dreams. We can use it to express our creativity, generosity, or gratitude. We can use it to learn, explore, or discover.

The key to using time for happiness is to Take Back Control of it. Taking back control of your time means being intentional, mindful, and proactive about how you spend it. It means making choices that reflect your priorities, values, and goals. It means saying no to things that don’t matter, and yes to things that do. It means creating a balance between work and leisure, between routine and novelty, between obligation and freedom.

Taking Back Control of your time also means having some level of choice in how you use it. Choice is important for happiness, as it gives us a sense of autonomy, agency, and empowerment. It allows us to express our individuality, preferences, and personality. It enables us to shape our lives according to our own vision and purpose.

However, choice is not always easy or straightforward. Sometimes we face too many options, which can overwhelm us and make us indecisive. Sometimes we face too few options, which can limit us and make us dissatisfied. Sometimes we face trade-offs, which can challenge us and make us regretful. Sometimes we face constraints, which can frustrate us and make us resentful.

How can we make the best choices for our happiness? There is no simple or universal answer to this question, as different choices may suit different people, situations, and contexts. However, some general guidelines that can help us are:

• Be clear about what you want and why. Before making a choice, ask yourself what your desired outcome is, and what your underlying motivation is. This will help you identify your true needs, values, and goals, and avoid being influenced by external factors, such as social pressure, expectations, or norms.

• Be realistic about what you can and can’t control. Some aspects of your time are within your control, such as how you plan, schedule, and organize it. Some aspects are outside your control, such as unexpected events, emergencies, or interruptions. Focus on what you can control, and accept what you can’t. Don’t waste your time on things that are beyond your influence, and don’t blame yourself for things that are not your fault.

• Be selective about what you say yes and no to. You can’t do everything, and you don’t have to. Learn to prioritize, delegate, or decline tasks that are not important, urgent, or enjoyable. Learn to accept, embrace, or seek out tasks that are meaningful, rewarding, or fun. Remember that every time you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else, and vice versa.

• Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Your choices may not always work out as you expected, or they may become irrelevant or obsolete over time. Be willing to revise, modify, or abandon your choices if they no longer serve your happiness. Be open to new opportunities, challenges, or experiences that may arise along the way. Be ready to adjust, improvise, or experiment with your time as needed.

• Be mindful and present in the moment. Whatever choice you make, make sure you are fully engaged and immersed in it. Don’t let your mind wander to the past or the future, or to other alternatives or possibilities. Don’t let your attention be distracted by notifications, alerts, or messages. Don’t let your emotions be affected by comparisons, judgments, or evaluations. Enjoy the process, not just the outcome, of your choice.

Taking Back Control of your time is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. It requires awareness, intention, and action. It also requires courage, commitment, and perseverance. But the rewards are worth it. Taking back control of your time can create more happiness than wealth or career ever will.

This claim is not just a personal opinion, but a scientific fact. Empirical data from a study completed with more than 1000 people as subject matter supports this claim. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich and the University of Groningen, found that people who had more control over their time reported higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect, and lower levels of stress, negative affect, and emotional exhaustion1. The study also found that the positive effects of time control were mediated by the perceived fit between one’s time use and one’s values, goals, and preferences1. In other words, having control over your time makes you happier when you use it in ways that are consistent with who you are and what you want.

So, what are you waiting for? Take back control of your time today, and start living a happier life.

Until next time,

Take Back Control