Time: The Illusion That Doesn't Exist

I recently spoke with my business partner regarding a topic that never fails to intrigue us: Time. It's one of those things that just seems so predictable, yet if you stop and think about it, it's clear 'time' doesn't even exist. Time is a masterfully created illusion—perhaps something that was given to us. It's not something we control so much, but rather a type of superpower we've been given—a God-like ability to observe and control moments.

Let me explain.

A Childhood Epiphany

As a kid, I was the queen of boredom. The kind that pushes you towards madness, not because there isn't anything to do, but because everything's pointless in that moment. Some kids were pretending with Barbies and dreaming up being a firefighter, and here I was testing out experiments with an even higher power: Which superpower do I have?

I'd stare at things like pencils, hoping they would float, or attempt to shut my eyes tight against the lights, hoping I could make them blink. Favorite thing? Attempting to psychically move objects around, like a poor man's telekinesis. I even attempted to command my goldfish to do backflips—guess they're not so easily impressed.

But as I was typically drowsy in school, I would spend the time staring at the clock hands on the wall. The drowsiness, and perhaps a cricket on my shoulder, convinced me that it was better worth it than listening to Chemistry 1, 2, and 3. I remember staring at the second hand of the clock, thinking that if I concentrated hard enough, I could slow it down. And surprise, surprise. I did. Or at least, I tried to. I tried to speed up or slow down time, just a wee bit. You could say that it was my childlike arrogance that dissuaded physics or logic, but as a grown-up, I still have this 'superpower', and I'll wager you do too.

The Construct of Time

They say it's linear, a relentless walk into the future that doesn't leave time for anyone. But who was it that decreed it so? The more I considered it, the clearer I realized that time is just an invention—a collective delusion we've all agreed to in order to measure and control our lives. It serves to keep things in line, I suppose, but it also traps us within its whirring parameters.

Here's the thing, though: Time isn't fixed. It's flexible, stretching and shrinking based on what we experience. A second of terror can be an eternity, and a burst of joy occurs in the time it takes to blink. If time can be warped by emotion and focus, then maybe—just maybe—we have more power over it than we think.

Time Is Relative to Perception

Imagine five people watching the same clock for five seconds. To all of them, the five seconds would appear like a totally different duration of time. One might perceive the seconds as taking forever, another with the impression that they had flown by in an instant. This variation grows manifold when conditions such as ADD or ADHD are present. For some, time is unstructured and slipping away, while for others, it lurches obstinately, refusing to accommodate expectations.

This disparity in timing can create tension, especially when working together. It's not necessarily a lack of skill or enthusiasm that's the issue, but the fact that our internal clocks are ticking decidedly differently. When two people work on conflicting timelines, it's like attempting to dance to two opposing tunes—together—clumsily, maddeningly, and totally out of sync.

But here’s the thing: I’ve discovered one of my valuable skills is my ability to adjust my perception of time to match someone else’s. Whether I’m speeding up to match a rapid-fire thinker or slowing down to align with a more methodical pace, this adaptability allows me to bridge gaps that others struggle to cross. I believe this skill is learnable for almost anyone, but it requires a willingness to step outside your own timeline and truly tune in to someone else’s rhythm.

When two people aren’t on the same timeline, one must adjust, or both must find a middle ground. Without this, collaboration falters, and frustration grows. But when you learn to align timelines—even temporarily—you unlock a new level of connection and productivity.

Tapping the Potential of Perception

You might be thinking that I am perhaps a little bit crazy. But stick with me: Imagine you could tap into this potential. Imagine, rather than taking the time bus as a passenger, you could set and drive your own experience of it.

Yes, we already do that, even though we may not even notice. Think of the times you're so absorbed in a task that hours become what feels like minutes. Or the endless meetings where every minute feels like an eternity. These are not accidents; they are proof that time is as malleable as our perceptions of it.

Learning to Control Time

Getting your superpower back over time doesn't require a DeLorean or a time-turner. It begins with self-awareness. Start by noticing how time is passing in different situations. When you're under stress, time crawls. When you're joyful, it flies. Use this awareness to your advantage. Practice being fully present in times you'd prefer to savor, and consciously shift your attention during times you'd rather zip through. Gradually, you'll begin to feel more masterful.

Time Is Yours to Shape

Time is an illusion, yet a powerful one—a gift that grants us the ability to control our lives, yet one we can shape and reshape. What I learned as a child, looking at that clock, still holds true: Time is a perception superpower. Once you get that, the illusion fades.

Then go on. Stop for a moment. Bend and mold it and reclaim the power. For whether you realize it or not, this power has always been yours.