Rather than being chased by time, let time follow you: The 3-Step Planner Method for Purposeful Individuals
Instead of being chased by time,
let time follow you.
Time naturally follows those with intention.
"I'm being chased by time."
Do you feel that way right now?
In an era of technological advancement, why are we so busy?
In an age where information is instantly available on smartphones, AI automates tasks, and home appliances help with chores, we should ideally be enjoying the leisure created by increased efficiency.
"I don't have time," "I'm too busy to have time for myself"—isn't it true that many women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s feel more rushed than ever before?
Why are we so busy despite technological advancement?
This question was actually predicted about 100 years ago. In 1930, economist John Maynard Keynes, in his essay "Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren," predicted that technological progress would enable everyone to live comfortably with a 15-hour work week by 2030.
But what is the reality? In 2026, far from working 15 hours a week, we are spending more time on work and life than ever before.
This is because the time created by efficiency is filled with "other tasks." If emails can be sent faster, more emails are sent; if travel time is eliminated, online meetings fill the void. Technology may not have created time, but rather increased the total volume of tasks.
Have modern people come to assume that "being chased by time" is the norm?
In modern times, where work, housework, childcare, and elder care happen simultaneously, it's not uncommon for people to feel that "being chased by time is a prerequisite for living." Some may even feel anxious if they don't have plans on their days off.
But if we pause and think for a moment—when we are being chased by time, are we truly living "our own time"?
From "being chased by time" to "letting time follow you"
Reiko Tanaka
Forte Diary Creative Director
Recently, I read Mr. Fujisawa's book "The True Nature of Time." He asks us to "be the one who uses time, not the one chased by it." While I deeply resonate with that perspective, Forte Diary would like to propose a shift from "being chased by time" to "letting time follow you."
Time is a partner that naturally follows those with intention. It means using enough time to do what is important to me, and to be with those who are important to me.
What exactly is "intention" anyway?
Intention refers to your goals, what you value, and your principles. You could also call it your personal answer to "Why am I doing this right now?"
Intention doesn't necessarily have to be glamorous or fun. It could be a clear goal like acquiring a qualification, or the pressing reality of caring for a loved one. It could be an exciting dream, or the determination to see something difficult through. All of these are valid "intentions."
Intention to pursue dreams/goals
Acquiring qualifications, career change, taking on challenges. Expectation for the future becomes the engine.
Intention to protect loved ones
Childcare, elder care, supporting a partner. Even if it's not fun, the conviction that being by their side is your role right now.
Intention to see things through
Tough projects, difficult situations. Even when it's hard, the feeling of "I must do this now" drives time forward.
I have had such experiences myself.
My youngest child had asthma from six months old. Between the ages of one and two, he would have attacks every change of season, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Even when not hospitalized, I would nurse him in the early hours, suctioning his airways, praying for it to subside.
I was also working full-time. Honestly, I didn't feel joy or excitement while working and nursing him. But strangely, time kept moving during that period.
Looking back, it was because I had an unwavering intention: "I will protect this child's safety." When your intention is clear and vital, time follows it—I believe my past self taught me that physically.
3 Steps to Set Your Intention and Let Time Follow You
When your intention becomes clear, you'll surprisingly start to see what's important to you and what isn't. I created Forte Diary because I wanted to make this process of "clarifying intentions" a natural part of using a planner.
Write down your goals, your ideal self, and what you value. This is your "North Star" to return to once a year, or whenever you feel lost.
At the beginning of the month, write down "what you will focus on this month" and "what you are looking forward to." Once your intention is set, the time needed for it naturally becomes clear. Then, schedule that time on your calendar.
Write down "what you truly want to do now" and "why this is important." By articulating it, your intention becomes clearer, and time will follow.
Once your intention is set, proceed lightly! You don't have to do everything perfectly. It's okay to have time without a specific intention. Even if the quantity of time doesn't change, its quality does—that might be the true nature of the feeling of "letting time follow you."
What is your "intention"?
It's okay if you don't have an answer right away. Open your planner and write down that very question. As you write, things will gradually become clearer.
How do you want to relate to time?
What is your "current intention"?
Time follows those with intention.
A planner to articulate your intentions with a My Life Planner, Monthly Planner, and Journal.
Discover Forte Diary →Just flip through the pages to understand how to use it 📖