Podcast Summary: How to Age Up
Episode: Best of “How To”: Spend Time on What You Value
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Host: Arthur Brooks
Production: The Atlantic
Introduction: Reimagining Time Use
In the "Best of 'How To': Spend Time on What You Value" episode, hosted by Arthur Brooks and produced by Rebecca Rashid, the discussion delves into the complexities of how individuals allocate their time in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Drawing from personal anecdotes and academic research, the episode explores the dichotomy between how people would spend an extra hour versus how they should spend it to align with their true values.
Strivers vs. Fritterers: Understanding Time Allocation
Arthur Brooks introduces a compelling framework distinguishing between two types of individuals in the context of time management:
- Strivers: Those who maximize every waking moment, often leading to overcommitment and burnout.
- Fritterers: Individuals who struggle to utilize their available time effectively, leading to procrastination and wasted hours.
Quote:
Arthur Brooks (03:02) – “Best thing ever.”
Brooks emphasizes that both groups suffer from the absence of a structured approach to personal time, often constrained by the "exoskeleton" of workplace demands.
The Cultural Valorization of Busyness
Ashley Willins, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School and author of Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life, joins the conversation to shed light on societal pressures that equate busyness with success.
Quote:
Ashley Willins (07:52) – “80% of working adults report feeling time poor, like they have too many things to do in a day and not enough time to do them.”
Willins discusses the "cult of busyness" prevalent in the United States, where constant engagement is seen as a status symbol. She contrasts this with European cultures, notably Italy, where vacations and leisure are viewed as indicators of a well-balanced life.
Personal Stories: The Cost of Misaligned Time Use
Willins shares her personal experience of a failing relationship due to excessive focus on work, highlighting the emotional toll of neglecting personal time.
Quote:
Ashley Willins (12:31) – “I have to be a lot more careful about what I say yes and no to.”
This anecdote underscores the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing activities that foster personal well-being over mere productivity.
Strategies for Aligning Time with Values
The discussion pivots to practical strategies for bridging the gap between current time use and desired time allocation:
- Time Audits: Analyzing daily activities to identify which ones bring joy and satisfaction.
- Gratitude Practices: Reflecting on positive experiences to recognize and replicate fulfilling activities.
- Concrete Goal Setting: Defining specific leisure activities (e.g., one hour of exercise) to make leisure time tangible and achievable.
Quote:
Ashley Willins (28:46) – “Do a time audit. At the end of the day, ask yourself what things did you do across the day and how did you feel while you were engaging those activities.”
These methods are designed to foster self-awareness and ensure that time is spent in ways that genuinely enhance life satisfaction.
The Role of Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
A critical part of the conversation explores the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in leisure activities.
Quote:
Ashley Willins (25:12) – “These people who are walking around convincing themselves to go to church because it's good for their productivity are not going to enjoy the experience...”
The hosts discuss how intrinsic motivation leads to more fulfilling leisure experiences compared to activities undertaken for external reasons, such as improving productivity.
Age and Time Perception
Willins presents research indicating that perceptions of time and its value evolve with age. Older individuals tend to prioritize meaningful activities over productivity, often due to increased financial security and a clearer understanding of personal values.
Quote:
Ashley Willins (26:07) – “People who are older tend to be more likely to value time over money and happier as a result.”
This shift suggests that as people mature, they become better at valuing and utilizing their time in ways that align with their deeper desires for happiness and fulfillment.
Caller Insights: The Struggle of Doing Nothing
Towards the end of the episode, a listener shares their struggle with simply sitting in silence and doing nothing, highlighting the modern difficulty of embracing unstructured time.
Quote:
Caller (30:42) – “I would just sit in that silence and do absolutely nothing.”
Ashley responds by reinforcing the importance of scheduling leisure time deliberately to ensure it is valued and prioritized.
Final Thoughts: Scheduling for Happiness
Arthur Brooks wraps up the episode by emphasizing the necessity of treating happiness and personal fulfillment as deliberate tasks rather than afterthoughts. By integrating structured leisure into daily routines, individuals can enhance their overall quality of life.
Quote:
Arthur Brooks (34:02) – “Put it into your schedule. Put it into your schedule. Absolutely. Every single day.”
Conclusion: Embracing Time Smart Practices
The episode concludes with actionable advice to listeners: adopt time smart practices by consciously scheduling and prioritizing activities that align with personal values and contribute to genuine happiness. By doing so, individuals can overcome the cultural narratives that often undermine their well-being and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Notable Quotes and Attributions:
- Arthur Brooks (03:02): “Best thing ever.”
- Ashley Willins (07:52): “80% of working adults report feeling time poor, like they have too many things to do in a day and not enough time to do them.”
- Arthur Brooks (18:05): Discusses the importance of setting boundaries to enhance quality of life.
- Ashley Willins (28:46): “Do a time audit. At the end of the day, ask yourself what things did you do across the day and how did you feel while you were engaging those activities.”
- Caller (30:42): Expresses the struggle of wanting to do nothing amidst life's demands.
- Arthur Brooks (34:02): “Put it into your schedule. Put it into your schedule. Absolutely. Every single day.”
This episode of How to Age Up offers a deep dive into the science and sociology of time management, providing listeners with both theoretical insights and practical tools to better align their daily activities with their core values and aspirations.