Our brain doesn t think long term deadlines are so important because we feel more connected to a day by day passing of time

Our Brain’s Perspective on Time and Deadlines

When it comes to deadlines, our brains often struggle to prioritize tasks that have longer time frames. It seems that our natural inclination is to focus more on the day-to-day passing of time rather than on long-term goals or commitments. But why is this the case?

A study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shed light on this phenomenon. They discovered that our brains have a built-in bias towards the present moment, which makes us perceive short-term deadlines as more urgent and significant compared to long-term ones. This bias is rooted in the way our brains process information and make decisions.

According to the researchers, our brains have a limited capacity to consider future events and their consequences. This limited cognitive capacity often leads us to prioritize immediate tasks and rewards over long-term goals that seem distant and uncertain. Our brains are wired to seek immediate gratification and avoid delayed rewards.

This phenomenon can manifest itself in various aspects of our lives. For example, when it comes to studying for exams, students are more likely to focus on preparing for upcoming quizzes and assignments rather than allocating time for long-term projects. Similarly, at work, employees may prioritize daily tasks that yield immediate results rather than investing time and effort into long-term projects that may not show immediate impact.

This bias towards short-term deadlines can have both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it can help us stay motivated and focused on accomplishing immediate tasks. Short-term deadlines create a sense of urgency that can drive us to take action and meet our goals efficiently. On the other hand, this bias can lead to procrastination and a lack of progress on projects that require long-term commitment.

Understanding this cognitive bias can help us develop strategies to overcome procrastination and better manage our time. One approach is to break down long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks with shorter deadlines. By doing so, we can create a sense of urgency and progress, similar to the one provided by short-term deadlines. Additionally, setting clear priorities and establishing a routine can help us stay on track and ensure progress on long-term projects.

In conclusion, our brain’s perception of time plays a significant role in how we prioritize and manage deadlines. While we tend to prioritize short-term deadlines due to a bias towards the present moment, understanding this cognitive bias can help us develop strategies to better manage our time and overcome procrastination. By breaking down long-term goals and establishing clear priorities, we can strike a balance between immediate tasks and long-term projects, ensuring progress and success in both aspects of our lives.

Source: Harvard Business Review