I think time is very important as it both normalizes a sober lifestyle and allows physical and mental healing to occur. The danger, though. is that time becomes the actual goal.
In days past, I would have a goal of trying to achieve a certain amount of days sober. If I relapsed, I "lost" what time I had accumulated, I was frustrated that I had to start over, and I was ashamed to admit that I messed up my sober streak. Non of that has anything directly to do with sobriety, but as a good alcohol it was more comfortable to go back to drinking and avoid all that awkwardness. This is why I think having time as the goal can be dangerous. I prefer to focus on staying sober and letting the time take care of itself.