Ever heard the phrase “your time personality”? Our relationship with time IS mutable, and there are distinct differences between us. Anthropologist Edward T. Hall described different cultural attitudes to time as “monochronic” and “polychronic”.1 He was describing societies. Enter organizational theorists and management experts, who applied these labels to individuals. Did you know that your Energy Signature also accurately describes your “time personality” – and there are more than two?
Hall describes cultures whose time ideal is linear. They value deadlines, efficiency and productivity. Completing a task, then moving on to the next in sequence is “monchronic.” Other cultures were “polychronic” where time - and schedules - were considered more fluid and adaptable. Studies of individuals showed that people preferred their own approach to time. Of course they did!
Viewed through the lens of Energy Signatures, the time distinctions between the five energy types are referred to as time boundaries. In fact we tend to have similar patterns regarding time, physical energy, and money. Hall’s time personalities DO correspond to two extremes within the energy types – the Royal and the Priest.
The Priest is known for their creativity, quick wit, and unconventional approaches. With a less linear experience of time, they tend to function more in the now. They can be extremely focused until the next distraction arises. Immersed in a lengthy conversation, they’ll be late for something else – again. They need constant stimulation, which means they are masters of multitasking; finishing something just takes longer.
The Royal is super organized and efficient, with great attention to detail. Being a perfectionist translates into being beyond punctual. They do their best to keep everyone around them on task, and very busy! Masters of productivity, they’ll always get the job done. That is accomplished by rigidly adhering to a schedule; distractions aren’t well tolerated. That means they can miss out on unplanned, but happy accidents - er, opportunities!
It’s important to understand your own time preference, and how others might be different - especially if you have Royal or Priest in your Energy Signature. That way we can make some adjustments to work well with others and maintain good relationships. For instance, to a Royal “on time” is being 15 minutes early. For a Priest, they are “on time" if they are less than 15 minutes late! You can see how that would create problems. The Royal is irritated and critical, the Priest is wondering what the fuss is all about.
The Royal can soften their judgment and come prepared to keep themselves occupied during wait times. A Priest can set their reminders a half hour early to be more “timely.” In a family setting, a Royal may give several “warnings” of imminent timeframes (departures!) to help orient a Priest. A Priest can encourage a Royal to relax when possible in a situation, and “go with the flow”. I realized my daughter needs me to tell her when I will do x, y or z - instead of some indeterminate time “later”.
Different relationships with time can even determine the kinds of jobs people gravitate to. We can adapt our time preferences when we need to, but they never go away. A job with structured hours, and coordinating our schedule with family and friends, will do that to some degree. But as soon as we are left to our own devices, it’s usually back to our natural mode!
Peace, love and healing -
Bear
Wondering about your time patterns? Take the quiz!
1 “Always Late? Blame Your Time Personality.”, Emily Laber-Warren, NYT 7/25/25
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