5 Different 'Time Perspectives' Ranked From Least To Most Productive

Your perspective on time can be more influential than time itself. Here's how to take on a more balanced 'time perspective.'

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | March 13, 2024

A "time perspective" refers to an individual's orientation or attitude towards time, which influences how they perceive the past, present and future. It encompasses how people interpret and experience time in their lives, which is usually a highly subjective experience.

Five Types Of Time Perspectives

One prominent model of time perspectives is the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), developed by psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues. It identifies five distinct time perspectives:

1. Past-negative. In this perspective, individuals tend to focus on negative or traumatic aspects of their past experiences, often leading to feelings of regret or resentment.
2. Past-positive. This perspective involves having a pleasurable and positive view of the past, cherishing memories and traditions and experiencing nostalgia.
3. Present-hedonistic. People with this time perspective prioritize immediate pleasure and gratification, sensation-seeking behavior and living in the moment without much concern for future consequences.
4. Present-fatalistic. Here, individuals feel a lack of control over their lives in the present, believing that fate or external forces determine their life outcomes rather than themselves. This often leads to an inability to savor the present and a hopeless attitude towards the future.
5. Future-oriented. People who are future-oriented are able to delay gratification, plan and work towards long-term goals, consider future consequences and invest in activities that will benefit them later.

Understanding an individual's time perspective can provide insights into their behavior, decision-making and overall well-being.

Which Time Perspective Is Best?

A 2024 study found that a "balanced time perspective" allows for the most positive use of one's time and enhances well-being. According to Zimbardo, a balanced time perspective refers to an individual's ability to effectively manage and integrate multiple time perspectives in their lives.

Rather than being excessively focused on one time frame (the past, present or future), individuals with a balanced time perspective are able to appropriately consider and prioritize each aspect of time depending on the situation. Their decision-making is based on honoring their needs and core values.

Here are three ways to form a more balanced time perspective:

• Acknowledge the past. While it is important to avoid a past-negative time perspective or becoming overly nostalgic, a 2023 study found that nostalgia can have a positive impact on well-being. It can benefit individuals who use past experiences as valuable learning opportunities to inform their present actions and future goals.
• Live in the present. People with a balanced time perspective can fully engage and appreciate the present moment, experiencing pleasure and fulfillment without neglecting responsibilities or long-term considerations. They are mindful of their current experiences and strive to make the most of them.
• Plan for the future. Researchers found that tapping into a future-oriented time perspective encourages greater time management. While enjoying the present, individuals with a balanced time perspective also invest time and effort into setting and pursuing meaningful long-term goals. They engage in proactive behavior, such as planning, saving and making decisions that will benefit them in the future.

Overall, a balanced time perspective involves finding a harmonious equilibrium between past, present and future orientations. It is usually a combination of a highly past-positive, present-hedonistic and future-oriented time perspectives.

In contrast, research shows that present-fatalistic and past-negative time perceptions are associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, anger and aggression.

"Individuals with a balanced time perspective are happier because they are likely to choose more satisfying activities and to use their time more efficiently," write the researchers of the 2024 study.

Another study in 2023 found that a balanced time perspective is associated with higher levels of well-being, life satisfaction, emotional regulation, optimism and purpose in life.

Shifting one's relationship with time can lead to profound improvements in their overall quality of life. Rather than being tethered to the past, consumed by the present or solely fixated on the future, it allows individuals to navigate each moment with intentionality and purpose. A balanced time perspective is not merely about managing time well— it's about crafting a life rich in meaning, joy and fulfillment for the long run.

If you are curious whether you engage in a healthy level of nostalgia about the past, take this test: Nostalgia Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.