Written: by Brad Pedersen

The Illusion of Time

Last week, we talked about redefining success as entrepreneurs—shifting from the constant need to stay busy toward embracing the idea of slowing down. This shift not only helps us feel more connected in our work and relationships but can also enhance our productivity. If you missed it, you can catch up by clicking HERE.

This week, we take it further, exploring how neuroscience reveals that intentionally creating “dense memories” can make time feel longer. This simple practice leads to greater satisfaction and allows us to experience a richer, more meaningful life.

The Wonder of Endless Summers

Do you remember as a child how summers seemed to stretch on forever? Days were filled with wonder and adventure, with each moment feeling exciting and new.

I fondly recall exploring the wilderness around my parents’ acreage. If I wasn’t fishing in the nearby pond, I was riding motorbikes or launching model rockets (as pictured above with my buddy Lance). Every day brought something new, and time seemed to move at a leisurely pace.

Now, as an adult, time feels like it’s speeding up. Days blend together, weeks vanish in a blur, and months fly by before I realize they’ve begun. What changed?

The Science of Time Perception

The feeling that time speeds up as we age isn’t just a mental trick—it’s backed by science. Neuroscience shows that as children, everything is new. Our brains constantly process new sensory information, creating rich “dense memories” that make time feel slower and fuller.

As adults, we fall into routines—driving the same routes, eating the same meals, and repeating the same tasks. Our brains process less novelty, forming “thin memories.” This lack of newness makes time feel like it’s slipping away faster.

How to Slow Time Down

If you want to reclaim that sense of endless summers and live a fuller life, the key is to act like a child again—with curiosity, wonder, and a willingness to explore. By intentionally creating new experiences, you can generate dense memories that stretch your perception of time.

1. Seek Novelty

To slow time, embrace new experiences. These challenge your brain, creating dense memories that make time feel richer and more meaningful.

• Try a new hobby, like painting, cooking, or dancing.
• Visit a place you’ve never been, even if it’s a nearby park or trail.
• Rearrange your living space or take a different route to work.
• Learn something new, like a language or a musical instrument.

2. Challenge Your Routines

Routines provide comfort and predictability, but they can also make time feel like it’s flying by. When you repeat the same actions daily, your brain switches to autopilot, and the days blur together.

To break free:

• Change small habits, like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or sitting in a different chair at dinner.
• Plan weekends with variety—try a picnic, explore a local museum, or go hiking.
• Shift your daily schedule—exercise at a different time or switch up your work environment.

3. Embrace Rest and Reflection

Staying busy all the time leaves no room for curiosity or self-discovery. As Socrates stated: 

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” 

True learning and growth come from reflecting on your experiences and unpacking their lessons.

To incorporate reflection into your life:

• Schedule regular downtime to relax, recharge, and think.
• Journal about your experiences, focusing on what you’ve learned.
• Unplug during vacations to fully immerse yourself in new environments.

The Secret to a Fuller Life

Living a full and rich life isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things that matter. 

We can make more money but we can never make more time. Time isn’t just a resource; it’s the absolutely most valuable resource we have. 

While many of us focus on the ROI (Return on Investment) of our finances, how often do we consider the ROE—Return on Experiences—for how we invest our time?

By intentionally stepping outside our comfort zones, exploring new opportunities, and prioritizing what truly matters, we not only will live fuller and richer lives but also  benefit from creating dense memories that slow the passage of time.

Think about this: When you look back on your life, what moments stand out? 

It’s often the times when you tried something new, faced a challenge, or made a meaningful connection with others. These moments were likely not part of your daily routine—they’re disruptions that create lasting memories.

Choosing a life of adventure, embracing risks, and overcoming challenges is how we grow and unlock our fullest potential. When we live this way, we not only discover more of what we’re capable of but we also extend our sense of time and fulfillment.

At its heart, this is how we uncover true wealth beyond money—through new skills gained, possibilities revealed, and cherished memories that last a lifetime.

So, as you start off a new year what will you do today to make your time feel richer? 

Will you try something new? 

Change up your routine? 

Or simply take a moment to savor the beauty around you?

It is not about counting the hours but rather in making the hours count.  Time may be fleeting, but we can intentionally choose to invest each hour in a way to get the most from it. 

Don’t let time slip away—embrace the exploration, wonder and adventure that you can find in every moment and with that live a slower more fulfilling life. 

Brad Pedersen

Vijay Krishnan

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