In today’s high-energy, productivity-driven world, people, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to create and produce more. One’s productivity becomes not just a measure of effectiveness or efficiency, but for many, a measure of self-worth.1 Modern life’s fast pace and thirst for knowledge have resulted in a society that is hyperconnected and hyper-stressed. Increasing demands to do more and with less have led to an increase in anxiety and depression.2
With the increasing sophistication of technology comes the expectation of greater output. These demands individually and cumulatively impact our well-being. The idiom “stop and smell the roses,” which encourages people to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty and small pleasures in life, is becoming something of a historical relic.
Some argue that the pressures of modern life, including demanding work schedules, constant connectivity through technology, and the emphasis on achieving success, make it challenging for people to prioritize moments of appreciation and mindfulness. This can lead to increased stress, exhaustion, and a feeling of missing out on life’s joy and wonder.
Regardless of one’s role, as a society, we continue to encourage all to do more in less time. Whether it’s the number of extracurriculars we coordinate for our kids, the extra project we take on at work, or the neighborhood committee on which we volunteer. While all are worthwhile activities, there comes a point when we cross a line. Instead of accomplishing more, we’re simply doing more of lesser quality.
Enter the law of diminishing returns. And when it hits, what we lose is precious: time. Time for rest. Time for reflection. Time to be present.
Why Margins Matter
When we operate in an always-on environment without any margin of time—no buffer, no breathing room—we rob ourselves of more than just rest. We lose the space to think freely, creatively, and meaningfully.
It’s in those unstructured, unscheduled moments that ideas often surface, solutions arise, and a new direction becomes clear. Simply the act of sitting on a park bench or in an open space watching life go by, that leads to a solution or an opportunity to create. It is during these moments that humanity regenerates and innovates, and where we recognize how we can benefit others in need of our time.
A margin of time isn’t wasted time. It’s a vital space for rest, insight, connection, and compassion. Without it, we are stripping ourselves of opportunities to experience joy, connection, achievement, and community.
¹ 80% of employees report ‘productivity anxiety’ and lower well-being in a recent study. This trend is especially pronounced among young adults.
² The Rise of Anxiety and Depression Among Young Adults in the United States.
