I used to be obsessed with the ticking clock—constantly stressing that there wasn’t enough time in the day. But over the years, I’ve discovered it’s not really about time; it’s about aligning your priorities with your values. When you do that, everything falls into place. In fact, when you focus on what truly matters, the relentless cycle of “what ifs” fades away, allowing you to live fully in the present. This idea is beautifully captured in the Japanese concept of Ichigo Ichie, which reminds us that every encounter is unique and worth cherishing.
Values: The Heartbeat of Your Priorities
Our values are the compass that guides our decisions and actions. For me, creativity, meaningful relationships, and personal growth are non-negotiables. When you know what matters most, your priorities naturally align with those values. For example, if family time and creative work are at the top of your list, you’ll intentionally schedule those moments—even if your calendar looks busy. It’s not that you magically have more time; it’s that your actions are driven by what you truly care about.
The Brain’s Role: Reticular Activating System and Cognitive Biases
Neuroscience provides some fascinating insights here. Our brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS) functions like a spotlight, filtering out the background noise and focusing on what’s important. When you commit to your values, your RAS starts to notice opportunities and resources that support those priorities, helping you cut through the clutter of everyday distractions.
But our mind doesn’t work in a vacuum—it’s influenced by powerful cognitive forces:
- Placebo Effect: Believing that aligning with your values will lead to success can boost your confidence and performance. This positive mindset, much like a placebo, has real, measurable benefits.
- Nocebo Effect: On the flip side, constantly worrying about not having enough time can trigger a nocebo effect, where your negative expectations create unnecessary stress and anxiety.
- Confirmation Bias: If you’re fixated on the idea that you’re always short on time, you might only notice those moments when it seems true, ignoring all the instances when you’re actually living out your values.
Overthinking: The Double-Edged Sword of Our Evolution
Humans are incredible problem solvers—our capacity for creativity evolved as a survival instinct. In the wild, being able to imagine different scenarios and plan for them was essential. However, in today’s modern world, where immediate survival isn’t at stake, this same skill can turn into overthinking.
We often create entire universes of “what if” scenarios that may never come to pass. For example, you might spend hours worrying about a presentation or a potential project setback, even when there’s no real evidence that these fears will materialise. This endless loop of hypotheticals not only drains your energy but also distracts you from the present moment—the only moment that truly exists.
Living in the Now: Embracing Ichigo Ichie
This is where Ichigo Ichie comes into play. The phrase reminds us to appreciate each unique moment because it will never come again. By focusing on your values and what’s in front of you, you free yourself from the trap of overthinking the future. Instead of being consumed by worries about what might happen, you begin to see the beauty and potential in every day.
For instance, rather than spiralling into anxiety about a meeting that hasn’t even started, I now prepare by centring myself on what I value most—clear communication, creativity, and connection. This shift in focus not only calms my mind but also enables me to perform better because I’m not distracted by imagined outcomes.
Real-Life Example: Transforming a Hectic Day
There was a time when I would constantly check my calendar, obsessing over every minute and fretting over every possible delay. This mindset made me miss out on spontaneous moments of joy—an unexpected chat with a colleague, a burst of inspiration during a walk, or even a quiet moment to savour my coffee.
Once I shifted my focus to my core values, I started scheduling my day around them rather than around the clock. I planned time for creativity, intentional pauses for reflection, and genuine interactions with others. What happened was remarkable: my productivity improved, my stress levels dropped, and I began to truly enjoy my day. Time, once a source of anxiety, started to take care of itself.
The Takeaway
When you prioritise your values, your life becomes a series of intentional choices that reflect what truly matters. Overthinking about the future only distracts you from the here and now. Embrace your natural ability to problem-solve, but don’t let it turn into a cycle of worry over imagined scenarios. Focus on your values, and let the present moment—Ichigo Ichie—guide you to a happier, more fulfilling life.
By letting your values drive your actions, you create a life that isn’t measured by the ticking clock but by meaningful experiences and genuine fulfilment. So, take a breath, refocus on what truly matters, and watch as everything else falls into place.
