When time is perceived as open-ended—as it is for most young people—goals are most likely to be preparatory, and we spend time on things that will optimize the future—for example, gathering information, pushing ourselves to find our limits, and seeking new skills. Young adults often place great emphasis on activities that will help them later; after all, what is school if not the prime example of things that don’t really help you in the moment? In contrast, when constraints on time are perceived, goals focus more on meaningful activities that can take place in the present. As a consequence,
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