In a 2006 article published in Science, psychologist Laura Carstensen discusses Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, which explains how people’s motivation shifts according to their perception of time.
The theory suggests that when individuals perceive their time as limited, they prioritise emotionally meaningful goals over those oriented toward the future.
When time feels open and plentiful — as it often does earlier in life — people tend to focus on exploration, learning, and pursuing goals that may pay off in the long term. For example, this might include investing in education, building broad networks, or taking on challenging projects that lead to future opportunities.
When time feels more limited, people often shift their attention toward goals that provide more immediate emotional satisfaction, such as strengthening important relationships, or engaging in work that feels meaningful in the present.
This theory is supported by decades of research conducted across cultures and age groups. It offers insight into motivation and changing priorities throughout adulthood, including during mid-career.
From Broad Exploration to Focused Priorities
Applied to work, Socioemotional Selectivity Theory helps explain why some people change their focus during mid-career — not necessarily due to burnout or frustration, but because what motivates them evolves alongside their perception of time.
This shift can be understood as a change in which types of goals feel most relevant and important. For example, a mid-career professional might be more focused on the quality and significance of their current project, rather than on a long-term pathway to promotion.
These changes reflect a different set of priorities — not less commitment or drive.
Understanding the Theory
Socioemotional Selectivity Theory is one psychological theory among many that describes general patterns in how motivation changes over time. Not everyone experiences these changes in the same way or at the same pace. Factors such as personal circumstances, health, or life events can influence how people perceive time and, in turn, how their goals shift.
While the theory is supported by consistent research findings, it does not prescribe how people should behave. Instead, it offers a framework for understanding motivation as something that naturally evolves across the lifespan.
Why This Perspective Is Useful
Much traditional thinking about career development assumes motivation is primarily about growth, advancement, and future rewards. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory highlights how motivation can also shift toward priorities grounded in the present moment and emotional meaning.
This perspective offers a scientific lens for understanding changes in motivation and priorities that may occur during mid-career — including shifts in what kinds of career goals feel most relevant.
Reference
Carstensen, L. L. (2006). The Influence of a Sense of Time on Human Development. Science, 312(5782), 1913–1915.
