Clutterbug Podcast #298

Time Anxiety Explained with Chris Guillebeau
Released: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Cas (host of Clutterbug and HGTV’s Hot Mess House) sits down with author and adventurer Chris Guillebeau to delve into the hidden topic of "time anxiety." They explore what it is, how it impacts our daily lives, productivity, and sense of purpose, and how understanding and addressing it can help us live more intentionally and joyfully. The conversation is candid, energetic, and filled with practical advice for decluttering both our homes and our schedules—making this episode a must-listen for anyone struggling to keep up with life's relentless pace.

Major Themes and Purpose

Unpacking "Time Anxiety": What it really means and how it goes far beyond just being late or busy.
Living Unconventionally: Insights from Chris's life, travels, and community-building.
Practical Strategies: Concrete steps to “declutter” your time and reclaim fulfillment.
Celebrating Neurodivergence: How ADHD and unique thinking styles shape productivity, happiness, and community.
Living Authentically: Rejecting one-size-fits-all expectations, and finding peace and joy in your own path.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Hidden Burden of Time Anxiety

[15:47]

Cas admits she originally misunderstood time anxiety:

"I thought time anxiety was the anxiety I used to feel about being late all the time... then I read [the book]. Existential time is running out in my life daily routine. There's not enough time in the day. I did not realize that this is what time anxiety was."
Chris explains:

"The sense of time running out in my life... that's time anxiety. Ultimately, I think people are looking for relief. They're looking for the opposite of stress, and the way to get that can't just be doing more."
Time blindness (worrying about being late) is just one slice—what’s more universal is a deeper, existential stress that we’re not using our precious, limited time well.

2. Two Reactions: Overdrive or Overwhelm

[17:47]

Cas playfully confesses to "trophy chasing"—constantly pushing for the next achievement:

“I have to do all these things before I get hit by a bus tomorrow...I don't even enjoy the thing I've just worked towards.”
She contrasts this with her husband's approach—paralysis and procrastination due to not knowing what’s “most important.”

“I don't know what my purpose is. So there's like this stagnation or procrastination.”

Chris links both reactions back to time anxiety:

"Ultimately these things are linked... we want purpose and meaning. Sometimes maybe cleaning the eaves actually makes you feel rested... chasing trophies is also fine. But if we're overwhelmed, adding something cannot be the solution. We have to take something away."

3. The Power of “Time Decluttering”

[23:58]

Cas applauds Chris for introducing the concept:

"One of my favorite things in your book is actually... time decluttering.”
Chris shares the strategy:

“We all say time is the most precious resource... and yet we often make all sorts of commitments without really thinking. Look at your schedule and just challenge yourself to remove a couple items from that calendar. Free up space—and then before you add anything else in, ask ‘How do I want to spend this time?’”

4. Finding Contentment: The "Reverse Bucket List"

[19:09]

Chris suggests turning the classic “bucket list” on its head:

“A reverse bucket list—what are all the things I've already done?... When most people do that, they experience a sense of satisfaction and recognize things they've completely forgotten about.”
This builds gratitude and counters the urge to always pile on more.

5. Facing Regret and Choosing Joy

[27:40]

Cas vulnerably expresses her worry about whether her best achievements are behind her.
Chris reassures:

“Regret is a normal function of life. If you want to have one thing, you'll have to close the door on something else. There’s sadness, but also joy and acceptance on the other side... You can do anything—not everything.”

He shares the “Eighth Day of the Week” exercise:

“Imagine you have an extra day each week and no one expects anything from you. How would you spend it?…It’s a clue to what really matters.”

Cas’s instant answer:

“I would lay in bed all day and play Fortnite... what that tells me is I need a day with no commitments.”

6. Neurodivergence & Community: Building Events for Real People

[36:18]

Cas and Chris celebrate neurodivergent strengths, discussing their ADHD mastermind group and the Neurodiversion event.
Chris on the event’s philosophy:

"We wanted to create something that is a celebration... to make people feel special. There’s learning, but also a party."
Attention to sensory needs, opt-in/out social badges, and “unmasking” activities created a uniquely accepting environment:

“I was able to really take my mask off, which I thought was so, oh, that just really struck me." [42:49]

7. Living Your Own Story

[34:28]

Both hosts recount feeling “wrong” for not fitting the traditional life-mold. Chris:

“I'm interested in reaching the discontented or the people who want something different with life... There’s something powerful in recognizing that shared experience.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On building confidence [09:27]:
Chris: "Your confidence expands as you get experience."
On unconventional lives [13:37]:
Chris on funding his travels: "I did freelance stuff, I did consulting, I built websites... hustling along the way."
On regrets and choices [27:40]:
Chris: “Life, like, contains regrets. Life has grief. But on the other side… there’s a lot of joy and acceptance.”
On the true value of time [24:19]:
Chris: “We all say, like, time is the most precious resource... yet we don’t devote nearly as much attention to our schedule and our commitments.”
On living authentically [23:19]:
Chris: “If anything needs to be stripped away, maybe it is what is extraneous—Expectations you’ve conformed to that aren’t yours.”
On communal celebration [41:06]:
Chris: “The core mission is a celebration of neurodivergence... to bring people together for a real, in-person experience—an IRL community.”
On progress and failure [32:59]:
Cas: “All I see when I look at you is success. And I think it’s your commitment to just jumping in with both feet that really makes you extraordinary.”

Suggested Activities & Takeaways

Time Decluttering:
- Look at your calendar for the next few weeks and remove at least two obligations. Notice how you feel and how you want to use this new free time.
- Try the “Reverse Bucket List”—write out your accomplishments and experiences for a gratitude boost.
- Brainstorm your “8th Day”—what would you do if you had a whole day free of expectation?
Living with ADHD or Neurodivergence:
If environments (like conferences or home routines) don’t work for you, imagine and create versions that do—ones that honor your needs for socializing, stimulation, or downtime.
Be Authentic:
Pay attention to ways you may be conforming to others’ scripts for your life. What can you let go that’s not truly yours?

Timestamps for Important Segments

[04:06] – Chris joins the conversation, shares his backstory
[14:29] – Introduction of "Time Anxiety" as a universal modern issue
[17:47] – Discussing two reactions: overwork vs. overwhelm (procrastination)
[19:09] – Chris introduces the “reverse bucket list” concept
[23:58] – "Time decluttering" as a practical scheduling tool
[27:40] – Regret, aging, and the “8th day of the week” exercise
[36:18] – On building inclusive, neurodivergent community and events
[41:06] – Mission of the Neurodiversion event: “Celebration of neurodivergence”
[42:49] – Cas’s unmasking experience and sensory friendly event strategies

Additional Audience Q&A & Takeaways

Cas answers listener questions on decluttering kids’ toys and organizing with ADHD ([53:45]), emphasizing macro-systems, easy-to-use baskets, and planning.
She underscores the importance of organizing your space for your worst days, not just your best—make sure there's always a natural, easy place to toss things when you're at your lowest energy.

Closing Reflection

Cas wraps up by sharing her main lesson from Chris’s book:

“I was using productivity and my to-do list as a way of self-soothing... but not actually dealing with the root issue.”
She encourages listeners to clean today, but also to make space for what matters—whether that’s connection, rest, or just taking a breath.

Connect & Learn More

Chris Guillebeau’s Book: “Time Anxiety” – Highly recommended for tangible tools and mindset shifts.
Neurodiversion Live Event: Details in show notes for ADHDers, autistics, neurodivergent people and their families—next gathering in Austin, March 2026.
Clutterbug Resources: clutterbug.com for organizing styles, planners, free holiday gift guide, and more.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking clarity and inspiration on decluttering not only their homes, but also their schedules and inner lives. Episode rich in warmth, humor, and actionable advice. Skip the hustle for hustle’s sake—reclaim your time, your joy, and your real priorities!

Clutterbug Podcast #298

Time Anxiety Explained with Chris Guillebeau
Released: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

Major Themes and Purpose

Unpacking "Time Anxiety": What it really means and how it goes far beyond just being late or busy.
Living Unconventionally: Insights from Chris's life, travels, and community-building.
Practical Strategies: Concrete steps to “declutter” your time and reclaim fulfillment.
Celebrating Neurodivergence: How ADHD and unique thinking styles shape productivity, happiness, and community.
Living Authentically: Rejecting one-size-fits-all expectations, and finding peace and joy in your own path.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Hidden Burden of Time Anxiety

[15:47]

Cas admits she originally misunderstood time anxiety:

"I thought time anxiety was the anxiety I used to feel about being late all the time... then I read [the book]. Existential time is running out in my life daily routine. There's not enough time in the day. I did not realize that this is what time anxiety was."
Chris explains:

"The sense of time running out in my life... that's time anxiety. Ultimately, I think people are looking for relief. They're looking for the opposite of stress, and the way to get that can't just be doing more."
Time blindness (worrying about being late) is just one slice—what’s more universal is a deeper, existential stress that we’re not using our precious, limited time well.

2. Two Reactions: Overdrive or Overwhelm

[17:47]

Cas playfully confesses to "trophy chasing"—constantly pushing for the next achievement:

“I have to do all these things before I get hit by a bus tomorrow...I don't even enjoy the thing I've just worked towards.”
She contrasts this with her husband's approach—paralysis and procrastination due to not knowing what’s “most important.”

“I don't know what my purpose is. So there's like this stagnation or procrastination.”

Chris links both reactions back to time anxiety:

"Ultimately these things are linked... we want purpose and meaning. Sometimes maybe cleaning the eaves actually makes you feel rested... chasing trophies is also fine. But if we're overwhelmed, adding something cannot be the solution. We have to take something away."

3. The Power of “Time Decluttering”

[23:58]

Cas applauds Chris for introducing the concept:

"One of my favorite things in your book is actually... time decluttering.”
Chris shares the strategy:

“We all say time is the most precious resource... and yet we often make all sorts of commitments without really thinking. Look at your schedule and just challenge yourself to remove a couple items from that calendar. Free up space—and then before you add anything else in, ask ‘How do I want to spend this time?’”

4. Finding Contentment: The "Reverse Bucket List"

[19:09]

Chris suggests turning the classic “bucket list” on its head:

“A reverse bucket list—what are all the things I've already done?... When most people do that, they experience a sense of satisfaction and recognize things they've completely forgotten about.”
This builds gratitude and counters the urge to always pile on more.

5. Facing Regret and Choosing Joy

[27:40]

Cas vulnerably expresses her worry about whether her best achievements are behind her.
Chris reassures:

“Regret is a normal function of life. If you want to have one thing, you'll have to close the door on something else. There’s sadness, but also joy and acceptance on the other side... You can do anything—not everything.”

He shares the “Eighth Day of the Week” exercise:

“Imagine you have an extra day each week and no one expects anything from you. How would you spend it?…It’s a clue to what really matters.”

Cas’s instant answer:

“I would lay in bed all day and play Fortnite... what that tells me is I need a day with no commitments.”

6. Neurodivergence & Community: Building Events for Real People

[36:18]

Cas and Chris celebrate neurodivergent strengths, discussing their ADHD mastermind group and the Neurodiversion event.
Chris on the event’s philosophy:

"We wanted to create something that is a celebration... to make people feel special. There’s learning, but also a party."
Attention to sensory needs, opt-in/out social badges, and “unmasking” activities created a uniquely accepting environment:

“I was able to really take my mask off, which I thought was so, oh, that just really struck me." [42:49]

7. Living Your Own Story

[34:28]

Both hosts recount feeling “wrong” for not fitting the traditional life-mold. Chris:

“I'm interested in reaching the discontented or the people who want something different with life... There’s something powerful in recognizing that shared experience.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On building confidence [09:27]:
Chris: "Your confidence expands as you get experience."
On unconventional lives [13:37]:
Chris on funding his travels: "I did freelance stuff, I did consulting, I built websites... hustling along the way."
On regrets and choices [27:40]:
Chris: “Life, like, contains regrets. Life has grief. But on the other side… there’s a lot of joy and acceptance.”
On the true value of time [24:19]:
Chris: “We all say, like, time is the most precious resource... yet we don’t devote nearly as much attention to our schedule and our commitments.”
On living authentically [23:19]:
Chris: “If anything needs to be stripped away, maybe it is what is extraneous—Expectations you’ve conformed to that aren’t yours.”
On communal celebration [41:06]:
Chris: “The core mission is a celebration of neurodivergence... to bring people together for a real, in-person experience—an IRL community.”
On progress and failure [32:59]:
Cas: “All I see when I look at you is success. And I think it’s your commitment to just jumping in with both feet that really makes you extraordinary.”

Suggested Activities & Takeaways

Time Decluttering:
- Look at your calendar for the next few weeks and remove at least two obligations. Notice how you feel and how you want to use this new free time.
- Try the “Reverse Bucket List”—write out your accomplishments and experiences for a gratitude boost.
- Brainstorm your “8th Day”—what would you do if you had a whole day free of expectation?
Living with ADHD or Neurodivergence:
If environments (like conferences or home routines) don’t work for you, imagine and create versions that do—ones that honor your needs for socializing, stimulation, or downtime.
Be Authentic:
Pay attention to ways you may be conforming to others’ scripts for your life. What can you let go that’s not truly yours?

Timestamps for Important Segments

[04:06] – Chris joins the conversation, shares his backstory
[14:29] – Introduction of "Time Anxiety" as a universal modern issue
[17:47] – Discussing two reactions: overwork vs. overwhelm (procrastination)
[19:09] – Chris introduces the “reverse bucket list” concept
[23:58] – "Time decluttering" as a practical scheduling tool
[27:40] – Regret, aging, and the “8th day of the week” exercise
[36:18] – On building inclusive, neurodivergent community and events
[41:06] – Mission of the Neurodiversion event: “Celebration of neurodivergence”
[42:49] – Cas’s unmasking experience and sensory friendly event strategies

Additional Audience Q&A & Takeaways

Cas answers listener questions on decluttering kids’ toys and organizing with ADHD ([53:45]), emphasizing macro-systems, easy-to-use baskets, and planning.
She underscores the importance of organizing your space for your worst days, not just your best—make sure there's always a natural, easy place to toss things when you're at your lowest energy.

Closing Reflection

Cas wraps up by sharing her main lesson from Chris’s book:

“I was using productivity and my to-do list as a way of self-soothing... but not actually dealing with the root issue.”
She encourages listeners to clean today, but also to make space for what matters—whether that’s connection, rest, or just taking a breath.

Connect & Learn More

Chris Guillebeau’s Book: “Time Anxiety” – Highly recommended for tangible tools and mindset shifts.
Neurodiversion Live Event: Details in show notes for ADHDers, autistics, neurodivergent people and their families—next gathering in Austin, March 2026.
Clutterbug Resources: clutterbug.com for organizing styles, planners, free holiday gift guide, and more.

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Time Anxiety Explained with Chris Guillebeau | Clutterbug Podcast # 298

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Summary

Clutterbug Podcast #298

Episode Overview

Major Themes and Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Hidden Burden of Time Anxiety

2. Two Reactions: Overdrive or Overwhelm

3. The Power of “Time Decluttering”

4. Finding Contentment: The "Reverse Bucket List"

5. Facing Regret and Choosing Joy

6. Neurodivergence & Community: Building Events for Real People

7. Living Your Own Story

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Suggested Activities & Takeaways

Timestamps for Important Segments

Additional Audience Q&A & Takeaways

Closing Reflection

Connect & Learn More

Summary

Clutterbug Podcast #298

Episode Overview

Major Themes and Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Hidden Burden of Time Anxiety

2. Two Reactions: Overdrive or Overwhelm

3. The Power of “Time Decluttering”

4. Finding Contentment: The "Reverse Bucket List"

5. Facing Regret and Choosing Joy

6. Neurodivergence & Community: Building Events for Real People

7. Living Your Own Story

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Suggested Activities & Takeaways

Timestamps for Important Segments

Additional Audience Q&A & Takeaways

Closing Reflection

Connect & Learn More