How much will this really matter 10 years from now?
Take distance in time to see what truly matters.
Our minds tend to lock onto whatever feels immediate and urgent, turning small issues into something much bigger. In those moments, everyday problems, conflicts, or setbacks can feel overwhelming. When these situations stir up emotions like stress, frustration, or anxiety, it helps to pause and ask:
🤔 How much will this really matter 10 years from now?
This simple question creates space between us and the situation. It helps us see whether what’s consuming our thoughts right now is truly important in the long run, or just a passing concern.
Imagine this. A colleague doesn’t say hello. A negative comment lands on our presentation. Someone cuts us off in traffic, leaves our message unanswered, or forgets to include us in a group invitation. In the moment, these things can feel important and upsetting. But with time, most fade away. We might not even remember them the next day. Ten years from now, they almost certainly won’t cross our minds. By taking a long-term view, we can ease anxiety, let go of fleeting worries, and redirect our energy toward what truly matters. And if something still feels important from that perspective, that’s when it’s worth taking action.
Most of our concerns right now are like footprints on a sandy beach, clear and distinct at first before gradually being washed away by the tides of time.
So what does matter? It is focusing on our life purpose, personal values, and goals: the things we want to do, how we want to live, and what we want to achieve. These may evolve as we grow. It means making choices that support our well-being and relationships, being present, appreciating what we have, meeting our basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and balancing our future goals with enjoying today.
Next time we feel swept up in a wave of strong feelings, let’s pause and ask:
🤔 How much will this really matter 10 years from now?
This might be all we need to regain perspective and navigate the moment with greater calm and clarity. The more often we pause like this, the more it becomes a habit that keeps us grounded, clear-headed, and focused, no matter what waves come our way.
