The reason why 'I'll do it later' never ends. The 'time illusion' that plagues freelancers.

Hello, this is Iguchi.
As a sole proprietor, I explore and practice web marketing and sales promotion methods that can be realized with small capital.
On note, I focus on marketing terms that people often only have a vague understanding of, and I summarize them in plain language based on my own research and real-life experiences.

By the way, do you ever have things youthink you 'need to do' but end up putting off?For example, you thought, 'I'll organize my expenses this week,' but before you know it, it's Friday night.

I've had countless experiences where things I thought I'd 'do later' ended up 'piling up' before I realized it.

Actually, this isn't because you have a 'weak will,' but because of a 'brain habit' humans have.

That is the topic for this time, a concept called

'Time Discounting'.Simply put, it's the psychology of 'valuing the present more than the future.'When you understand this mechanism,
'Why do I always prioritize immediate tasks?'

'Why does investing in the future get put on the back burner?'

These questions will suddenly make sense, and you'll be able to objectively review your own behavioral patterns.

In this article, I will introduce this 'trick of how we perceive time' in an easy-to-understand way with everyday examples.

By the time you finish reading, I'm sure it will be a little easier to choose 'actions that will make your future self happy.'

'Time Discounting' seems to mean exactly this

First, let me introduce the general definition of 'Time Discounting'.

For example, if you had the choice between '10,000 yen you can get right now' and '10,000 yen you can get in a year,' most people would choose the '10,000 yen you can get right now,' right?

This is because there is uncertainty about the future (Will I really get it in a year? Will the value change?) or because of the convenience of being able to use it right away.

In other words, the further away in time something is, the more its value is 'discounted' in our perception.

It seems to be used often in the fields of economics and psychology.

'Summer vacation homework' and 'reward snacks'

Hearing just this, you might think, 'Hmm, I see?' but it might not click yet.

So, I'd like to introduce a familiar example that made me think, 'This is it!'

'Summer vacation homework'How was it for you all?

Haven't you ever thought, 'Summer vacation just started, so I have plenty of time, I'll do it all in the last week!' and ended up doing it in a panic at the very last minute?

At this time, the feeling of wanting to avoid the 'immediate pain' of 'panic on the last day of summer vacation' is felt more strongly than the 'benefit of finishing the homework in the future' of 'it's okay because I still have time.'

Or, let's say there is adelicious-looking cakein front of you.

The feeling of 'I want to eat this cake right now!' versus the option of 'If I wait one week, I'll get an even bigger reward.'

Many people might not be able to resist the immediate temptation and might reach for the cake in front of them.

In other words,'The satisfaction or pleasure obtained now, or the pain avoided now, is felt to be more attractive than the greater satisfaction or pleasure obtained in the future, or the greater pain avoided in the future'is what it means.

Aren't there some of you who think, 'Ah, that's me!'?

This example really helped me feel that 'Time Discounting' is much more relatable!

Examples of 'Time Discounting' for sole proprietors and freelancers

So, how does this 'Time Discounting' relate to the way we sole proprietors and freelancers work?

Let's think about it by giving a few concrete examples.

Example 1: Immediate projects vs. investment in the future

• When swayed by time discounting...
  You end up taking on only short-term jobs that pay money right away. For example, task-based jobs that have a low unit price but can be finished quickly.

• When you understand time discounting...
  You can invest time not just in immediate profits, but in learning time for skill improvement or sowing seeds for new businesses (blog writing, SNS posting, participating in networking events, etc.) 'for yourself next month, the month after, or a year from now.' Because you know that even if it doesn't directly turn into money now, it will return as a big reward in the future.

Example 2: Preparation for tax returns

• When swayed by time discounting...
  You tend to put off daily expense entry and bookkeeping, thinking, 'It's still a long way off, so it's okay!' As a result, you end up having to fight with a huge pile of receipts right before the tax return deadline, consuming a great deal of stress and time.

• When you understand time discounting...
  You can incorporate it into your daily routine, thinking, 'If I do a little bit every day now, my future self will have it easier!' You can accept the 'small effort' of now to avoid the 'big pain' of the future.

Example 3: Investment in health

• When swayed by time discounting...
  You end up pushing yourself too hard, thinking, 'I'm busy now, so I'll exercise next time' or 'I'll finish this work even if I have to pull an all-nighter.'

• If you understand time discounting...
  You will understand that 'taking care of your health now prevents future medical costs and loss of productivity,' and you will consciously take proper breaks, exercise, and sleep. You can accept the 'time constraints' of the present for the 'greater benefit' of future health.

What do you think?
Were there any moments where you thought, 'Oh, I might be doing that too...'?

I also tend to put off 'investing in health' unless I'm specifically conscious of it, so this is a painful topic for me too (laughs).

Summary: Don't 'discount' your time, make your future self happy.

In this article, I introduced the concept of 'time discounting.'

The biggest thing I felt after learning about this 'time discounting' mindset was that 'everyone is a creature easily swayed by immediate benefits and pleasures'.

But just knowing that allows you to make choices with the future in mind.

When working as a sole proprietor or freelancer, how you use your time really changes your future significantly, doesn't it?

While cherishing the 'present' is certainly wonderful, I realized once again that it is also important to imagine your 'future self' and sometimes choose to prioritize them a little bit.

'What kind of choice would make my future self happy?'

Choosing your daily actions while asking yourself that question.
I intend to make 'time discounting' my ally and use my time wisely in that way.

Thank you for reading until the end.

I would be happy if this article led to a small realization like 'I see, so that's what it was!' or provided a hint for your ideas.

Following me would be a great encouragement. I will follow you back as well ^^