Why we Overestimate what we can do in One Year and Underestimate what we can do in Ten Years
The passage of time is a curious thing. Every year, we find ourselves setting grand resolutions and life goals, believing that this year will be the one where we achieve everything we desire. However, more often than not, these lofty aspirations falter within a few months, leaving us feeling disheartened and unmotivated. We tend to be overly optimistic about our own abilities. We think we’re smarter, stronger, and more motivated than we actually are. This can lead us to set unrealistic goals for ourselves, which we fail to achieve.
The human brain is wired to think in the short term. We’re good at imagining what we can accomplish in the next few weeks, days or even months, but it’s much harder to wrap our heads around what we can achieve over a decade. We are often astounded by our progress when we reflect on our accomplishments over the past decade. This phenomenon reveals a fascinating psychological bias — we overestimate what we can achieve in one year and underestimate the potential for growth and success in ten years.
The irresistible attraction of a new year brings with it the temptation to set ambitious resolutions and life goals. Our minds are brimming with enthusiasm, and we believe that we can conquer the world within the next 12 months. We set high expectations for ourselves, often fueled by the pressure to achieve instant results. Unfortunately, this optimistic approach can lead to disappointment and frustration when our progress aligns differently with our exaggerated aspirations.
On the other end of the spectrum, we find the mysterious decade. Ten years can seem like an eternity, and we struggle to comprehend the long-term implications of our actions. Yet, it is within this extended timeframe that our true potential lies. The gradual accumulation of efforts compounds over the years, leading to exponential growth and accomplishments we may never have envisioned at the beginning. Our consistent effort into our life goals and careers builds momentum over time. Each small victory adds to the next, and before we know it, we have achieved far more than we initially thought possible. Actual personal and professional growth occurs through continuous learning, patience, and perseverance over the long haul.
Life isn’t always rosy. Over a decade, life throws us curveballs, and our careers may take unexpected turns. The ability to adapt to change and remain resilient in the face of adversity is crucial for long-term success. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and use them as fuel to propel you forward on your journey. Our mindset towards timeframes plays a significant role in shaping our actions and results. A growth mindset, coupled with patience and perseverance, can aid us in surmounting obstacles and staying committed to our goals. Cultivate a belief in your ability to learn and improve over time, and embrace the process of continuous growth.
The saying “people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years” reminds us to be realistic about our goals and expectations. But it’s also a reminder that anything is possible if we put in the time and effort. So don’t be afraid to dream big. Ensure your goals are realistic and you’re willing to work to achieve them.
