Episode Summary: "One Change to Go From Being Time Poor to Time Rich with Cassie Holmes"
Released on February 27, 2025
Host: Glennon Doyle and Audacy
Guest: Cassie Holmes, Chaired Professor at UCLA's Anderson School of Management

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon Doyle, alongside co-hosts Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle, delves deep into the pervasive issue of time poverty—the relentless feeling of having too much to do and not enough time to accomplish it. The episode features renowned researcher Cassie Holmes, whose expertise provides listeners with actionable insights to transform their perception and management of time, shifting from scarcity to abundance.

Understanding Time Poverty

Cassie Holmes begins by sharing a personal anecdote that serves as a catalyst for her research on time poverty. At [08:30], she recounts a night filled with back-to-back meetings and a frantic rush to catch a train home to her family. This overwhelming experience illuminated the acute feeling of time scarcity she was grappling with.

Cassie Holmes [12:31]: "What matters is that it's not about how much time you have, but how you are spending the time that you have available."

Holmes emphasizes that time poverty isn't merely about the number of tasks but the perception of time availability. It's the stress and dissatisfaction stemming from feeling incapable of completing desired activities within the limited time frame.

The Rainbow Metaphor of Time and Happiness

Introducing the rainbow metaphor, Holmes explains that happiness related to time follows a bell curve. On one end, time poverty—where individuals feel overwhelmed and stressed—leads to decreased happiness. On the opposite end, having too much discretionary time can result in a lack of purpose and reduced satisfaction.

Cassie Holmes [13:43]: "Having too much time spent relaxing or on solitary, unproductive activities can undermine your sense of purpose and satisfaction."

She highlights that the sweet spot lies between two to five hours of discretionary time daily, where individuals report high levels of happiness and fulfillment.

The Five Whys Exercise

A pivotal segment of the episode introduces the Five Whys Exercise, a tool designed to help individuals uncover their true motivations and align their time with personal values. Through this exercise, Holmes guides listeners to delve deeper into the reasons behind their daily activities, ensuring that their actions are purpose-driven rather than dictated by external expectations.

Example with Abby Wambach:

1. Why do you coach your daughters' soccer teams?
   "Because I want to support my kids."

2. Why is that important to you?
   "Because I want to be involved in their lives and spend time with them."

3. Why is that important to you?
   "Because I want them to know me and have a safe place to explore."

4. Why is that important to you?
   "Because I want them to feel safe and empowered in the world."

Through this exercise, it's evident that coaching becomes fulfilling when aligned with the deeper purpose of fostering security and empowerment for her children.

Overcoming Distraction

Holmes addresses the rampant issue of distraction in modern life, attributing it largely to technology and the constant barrage of information. She cites research indicating that individuals are 47% of the time distracted from their current activities, leading to diminished happiness and engagement.

Cassie Holmes [49:20]: "When you are paying attention to what you are doing, it makes you feel less scattered and allows you to notice the good stuff right in front of you."

Holmes advocates for intentional time management, suggesting that distractions during purposeful activities can negate the benefits of those activities. She recommends bundling—combining necessary but unenjoyable tasks with more fulfilling ones—to make routine activities more satisfying.

Aligning Time with Purpose

A significant takeaway from the episode is the importance of aligning daily actions with one's core purpose and values. Holmes introduces exercises like writing a personal eulogy, encouraging listeners to envision how they wish to be remembered. This forward-thinking approach helps clarify what truly matters, guiding everyday decisions and time allocations.

Amanda Doyle [55:36]: "Figuring out what your big whys are by writing your eulogy and then aligning your daily time with what your big whys are means you go to bed knowing that you spent your day in alignment with your whys."

By understanding the "why" behind each activity, individuals can prioritize tasks that resonate with their authentic selves, leading to a more fulfilled and time-rich life.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a heartfelt appreciation for Cassie Holmes' insights, reinforcing that overcoming time poverty isn't about acquiring more hours but about transforming one's relationship with time. By identifying personal purposes, minimizing distractions, and intentionally aligning actions with core values, listeners are empowered to shift from feeling time-strapped to experiencing time abundance.

Cassie Holmes [60:01]: "When you are spending your time in ways that matter to you, you will feel fulfilled and in control, regardless of how busy your schedule is."

Listeners are left with practical tools and a rejuvenated perspective on managing the complexities of modern life, embracing the belief that they can do hard things when approached with clarity and intentionality.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassie Holmes [12:31]: "What matters is that it's not about how much time you have, but how you are spending the time that you have available."
• Cassie Holmes [13:43]: "Having too much time spent relaxing or on solitary, unproductive activities can undermine your sense of purpose and satisfaction."
• Cassie Holmes [49:20]: "When you are paying attention to what you are doing, it makes you feel less scattered and allows you to notice the good stuff right in front of you."
• Amanda Doyle [55:36]: "Figuring out what your big whys are by writing your eulogy and then aligning your daily time with what your big whys are means you go to bed knowing that you spent your day in alignment with your whys."
• Cassie Holmes [60:01]: "When you are spending your time in ways that matter to you, you will feel fulfilled and in control, regardless of how busy your schedule is."

Key Takeaways:

1. Time Poverty Defined: It's the subjective feeling of not having enough time, influenced by stress and perceptions rather than actual time constraints.
2. Sweet Spot of Time: Balancing two to five hours of discretionary time daily can optimize happiness and satisfaction.
3. Purpose-Driven Actions: Utilizing tools like the Five Whys can help align daily activities with personal values and long-term fulfillment.
4. Managing Distractions: Minimizing distractions during purposeful activities enhances engagement and satisfaction.
5. Intentional Time Management: Aligning actions with core values leads to a more fulfilling and time-rich life, reducing feelings of time scarcity.

By integrating Cassie Holmes' research and practical exercises into daily routines, listeners are equipped to navigate the challenges of time poverty, fostering a life of purpose, connection, and joy.