Time wastin’ explained
A study in General Timewasting Theory
Broadly stated, how your time is wasted falls into four categories. This forms a quadrant, summarising the internal and external influences, as well as motivational and participational effects.
The theory states that the more time wasted on tasks that have satisfying or desirable outcomes, the more happy, balanced and meaningful your life will become. Activities that fall into this category are known as Category “A” wastes of time. There are three other time wasting categories, one of which is unavoidable, and two that can be minimised - if not elimitated - through concerted effort. Category “C” and “D” wastes of time are inflicted upon you by other people, whereas Category “A” and “B” are wastes of time you inflcit on ( or enjoy ) yourself. Category “A” and “C” are known as the essential wastes of time, as they fulfil some purpose be that directly or indirectly. Category “D” and “B” are known as the non-essential wastes of time, as they serve no purpose and do not offer any reward.
The Time Wasting Quadrant
| motivational force / participation (MF+P) | time wasting force (TWF) | |
| external |
internal | |
| no end goal / passive | Category “D” | Category “B” |
| futile, irritating | abstract, unrewarding | |
| specific end goal / active | Category “C” | Category “A” |
| necessary, tediuos | relaxing, satisfying | |
Category D - the complete and utter wastes of time
Most truly loathsome tasks can be labled Category D - whether it’s a conversation with a drunken racist, watching Big Brother, or fending off Mormons knocking at your front door. Sensible people will do anything to avoid these forms of time wasting, but many more believe they should just put up with it.
Category D activities are associated with emotions such as annoyance, anger, regret and frustration.
examples include:
Category B - the distractions
If you have ever told yourself, “I have far better things to do with my time”, you were probably in the midst of a Category B activity. You do these things out of habit or a sense of obligation, or as a form of procrastination - like cleaning all your windows when you should be studying for an exam. This is a voluntary form of time wasting where there is no payoff or tangible benefit.
Category B activities are associated with emotions such as sadness, confusion and self resignation.
examples include:
Category C - the chores
Everyone has time consuming tasks they have to do, like going to the Bank or mowing the lawn. While these are unavoidable and steal time from the most desireable Category A activities, there is generally a sense of satisfaction or relief once they have been completed.
Category C activities are associated with emotions such as achievment, fatigue and closure.
examples include:
Category A - the indulgences
You might sit back and reflect of an evening, smile, and say “my god… I haven’t got a single thing done today”. If this is the case, you have most probably spent a large amount of time pursuing Category A time wasting. Typically, these activites are labled lazy or even decadent by other people who have spent a higher percentage of their own time on Category B, C or D time wasting.
Category A activities are associated with emotions such as bliss, relaxation and satisfaction.
examples include:
Individuals may enhance their lives and general sense of well being by attempting to balance what they have to do ( Category C activities ), with what they like to do ( Category A activities ), while minimising what they don’t want to do, or don’t need to do ( Category B and D activities ).
Examples below indicate a timewasting regime prior to adoption of Time Wastin’ Tuesday (TWT) strategies, and after adoption of TWT strategies.
Participants in the study reported a significant improvement in quality of life following adoption of TWT.
