The quote refers to the concept of unproductive worry, which is a kind of worry that doesn’t lead to solutions or actions but only breeds anxiety. It suggests that such worry, like Parkinson’s Law, tends to fill up all the time that is available. Parkinson’s Law is a principle articulated by Cyril Northcote Parkinson, which states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion”. Here, it means that the more time you have, the more likely you are to spend it on worrying, especially if it’s unproductive worry.

The quote is essentially a commentary on human nature and our propensity to worry about things that we often have no control over. It suggests that if we don’t manage our time effectively, unproductive worries can consume us, preventing us from focusing on what truly matters and what we can actually influence.

Applying this idea in today’s world, especially in the context of personal development, it’s a reminder to focus on productive worry – that is, concern about things that we can actually do something about. For instance, instead of worrying about a looming deadline, we can channel our energies into planning and executing the tasks required to meet that deadline. This way, we can reduce anxiety and increase productivity.

In the age of information overload and constant connectivity, it’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of endless worry about things beyond our control. By understanding that unproductive worry only expands to fill our time, we can better manage our time and mental energy, focusing on actions that lead to solutions and progress. This can lead to improved mental health, productivity, and overall personal growth.