⏳ Past, Future, or Present? A Reflection on Time Orientation

In times of uncertainty, I often catch myself trying to predict the future- playing through scenarios, calculating their likelihood, and wondering what might unfold.

At the same time, I sometimes look back, reflecting on past decisions and imagining how different choices could have shaped today.

Both forward-looking planning and backward reflection feel very German to me: a cultural trait rooted in efficiency, structure, and a love for planning.

👉🏻 But what if, instead of leaning too much into the past or future, we stayed grounded in the present?
👉🏻 What if the best way to navigate uncertainty is by bringing our best selves into this very moment?

Erin Meyer, in The Culture Map, describes how cultures perceive time differently. In linear-time cultures (like Germany or the U.S.), time is structured, sequential, and tasks are handled one after the other.
In flexible-time cultures (such as many parts of Asia or Latin America), schedules adapt to events, and people often manage multiple things at once. This flexibility is not just a choice but often a necessity- caused by less predictable infrastructure, bureaucracy, and even weather conditions that make long-term planning unreliable.

Neither approach is right or wrong- both bring unique strengths. Linear time brings order and predictability, while flexible time allows resilience and adaptability. Perhaps balance comes from honoring plans and embracing the moment as it unfolds.

💡 How do you personally navigate uncertainty: do you lean more towards linear planning or flexible adapting?