Time and Money: It’s All Relative

I am always amazed at how the brain works.  We can switch gears and alter our frame of mind in a split second.  For instance, Friday morning I wanted to buy an elliptical machine but quickly dismissed the idea because “we don’t have $400 to spend today.”  Later that afternoon, one of my dogs became ill, and $400 later we were back home with a healing dog. 

My frame of reference changed.  The issue wasn’t whether or not there was $400 in my bank account, it was a difference between a need and a want.  It all comes down to defining the core issue, and it’s all relative.

Let’s take the issue of time.  I’ve been known to get up at 3am to stand in line for a deal on Black Friday.  I’ve also been known to camp out at a bar/restaurant table hours before a big Jayhawk basketball game so my friends/family have a great spot to watch the game.  I even stood in line for 2 hours to meet Paula Deen and Giada De Laurentiis for about 30 seconds.

But the idea of standing in line at the DMV next week to renew my car tags already has me on edge.  My mindset is completely different.  I’m not standing in line for a big exciting moment or personal gain.  I’m standing in line because it’s a requirement.

PsychCentral wrote an article called 8 Reasons Why Waiting in Line Drives Us Crazy, and so many of their points ring true for me.  Here is an overview, but you’ll want to read the full article for more detailed explanations:

1. Unoccupied time feels longer than occupied time.
2. People want to get started.
3. Anxiety makes waits seem longer.
4. Uncertain waits are longer than known, finite waits.
5. Unexplained waits are longer than explained waits.
6. Unfair waits are longer than equitable waits.
7. The more valuable the service, the longer the customer will wait.
8. Solo waits feel longer than group waits.

Isn’t it fascinating how our brain assesses time differently given the situation, goal, or amount of information available?

What’s the longest line you’ve ever stood in?

Editor’s Note: Breanne Harris is the Solutions Architect for Pearson TalentLens.  She works with customers to design selection and development plans that incorporate critical thinking assessments and training.  She has a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and has experience in recruiting, training, and HR consulting.  She is the chief blogger for Critical Thinkers and occasionally posts at ThinkWatson.  Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter for more of her thoughts.