A very interesting take on time

I have to use this somehow in College Comp next year. I find the six ways he breaks down how humans look at the past, present, and future as very interesting. I want to see what students think about how they think about time.

Metacognition, baby!

Plus, I was reminded of "Nothing Gold Can Stay" when I was listening to this.



I also find it interesting when he talks about the 'marshmallow' study that was conducted on several children. It seems they could have a marshmallow immediately - or - they could wait a certain amount of time and get two instead.

Years after, a psychologist went back and studied the differences between those who yielded to temptation and those who exhibited patience. The latter group had a much higher IQ.

Now, as one who would have yielded to temptation and likely gobbled my marshmallow up right away - I'd have probably bartered to get a second attempt at it in hopes of getting another treat without having to wait - or conned one of my fellow test subjects out of their marshmallows - I found this interesting. Especially when you listen to what the professor has to say about the results.

For so long, especially in terms of food and hunger, I have been focused on the now. Eat immediately (and as much as possible). This may be one reason why I've had to battle extra pounds all my life. I simply focused too much on the immediate gratification food offered. This too might help explain why I can't just sit down and have a small treat. I'll keep snacking until the entire plate or box or can or bag is gone.

I'm terrible with that, but after listening to this, I think it's because I don't think (or look at) the future enough. Instead of snacking, I could look to the future and have patience and wait for a good meal at the table with my family - rather than stuffing my face and snacking while I cook that very same good meal that we will eat later at the table.

This is one thing that Weight Watchers has made me more cognizant of. I know I can eat whenever I want. I just choose to eat at regular intervals - and record what I eat - plus, I tend to savor the bites more - rather than simply getting lost in the immediacy of over eating.