The good times and the bad times

ike in the movie Tenet, time flows in two directions. At least that’s what I’ve always thought. You might think I’m crazy, but I’m not. It makes sense—just hear me out.

A stock market investor knows that when it comes to investing in a stock, time is on his or her side. The longer you hold onto it—generally, and if all works out well—the more it is appreciated. If you invest in an index fund, the same applies. Over time, and after a few years, statistics suggest you’ll make money. But if you invest in a derivative or options with a set date to exercise buy or sell options, time works against you. The instrument’s value depends not only on the company’s performance but also on how close or far you are from the expiration date. In a way, that future point is the origin, and time moves backwards-against you.

Something similar happens in real life. For certain things or people, the same principle applies. For example, time hurts bookstores. When the internet, ebooks, and the like emerged, so did a point in the future where bookstores disappeared. I don’t know exactly when that point is, but I know it exists. And if I owned a bookstore, I’d think about it every day.

On the other hand, I don’t see the same endpoint for smartphones—at least not yet. Time favors smartphones and opposes bookstores.

It’s a simple example, I know. But I could say the same about social media and television, fossil fuels and renewable energy, or privately owned cars and shared transportation.

I brought this up so you can think about your own industry, company, or job. Reflect on whether time works for you—or against you. And if you’re unsure, it’s likely the latter. We’re at a moment in history where the productive and political-financial paradigm is shifting on a scale akin to the Industrial Revolution.

Time, in many ways, functions like wind on a sailboat. When it’s in your favor, it propels you forward. You need to navigate it well, but it’s crucial. When it’s against you, it’s almost impossible to overcome. Or rather, you can fight it, but you won’t win. Wind and time always prevail. Think about where your industry, company, or job stands in this sea. Are you sailing with the wind or against it? If it’s against you, it’s time to adjust your sails and change course. Sooner rather than later.

Things have changed, are changing, and will continue to do so. Trends will become the norm, and norms will become the new standard. Yes, one day humans won’t have televisions. They’ll get their news from something like a Twitch-YouTube hybrid, won’t own personal cars, and when they rent cars by the minute, they’ll run on electricity. They’ll see the world through augmented reality glasses or contact lenses, and their smartwatch-sized laptop will know what they'll do before they do. Their clothes will be recycled a thousand times, yet still be fashionable. For this to happen, I’m talking about years—many years, but not many decades.

Wondering if we like that future or it's worthwhile is pointless. The future is the future. It’s neither positive nor negative - it simply is. The only question worth asking is: What role will you play in it? Is the future your time, or is it the past?

Where to find me

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