Name: The psychology of time
Uploaded: 2009-06-22T08:35:00Z
Duration: 6 min 14 s
Description: Psychologist Philip Zimbardo says happiness and success are rooted in a trait most of us disregard: the way we orient toward the past, present and future. He suggests we calibrate our outlook on time as a first step to improving our lives.

Psychologist Philip Zimbardo says happiness and success are rooted in a trait most of us disregard: the way we orient toward the past, present and future. He suggests we calibrate our outlook on time as a first step to improving our lives.

The psychology of time

People who balance focus on the past, present, and future thrive in life and work. Children able to resist a marshmallow for a greater reward later scored 250 points higher on the SAT years afterwards. Fixating on any one time zone—past, present, or future—creates blind spots and sacrifices well-being. Developing flexible time perspectives leads to healthier relationships, achievement, and joy.