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The book Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau delves into how people’s relationship with the clock causes them anxiety and sets out a guide to overcome it.
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Here are nine takeaways from Time Anxiety: The Illusion of Urgency and a Better Way to Live!
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According to Guillebeau, time anxiety is the feeling of dread and anxiety about time passing by. It makes one feel like they are not doing enough or makes them feel extremely overwhelmed.
It makes people feel trapped in a loop of “what I am doing now isn’t good,” or makes them feel like they’re incapable of doing a task.
Guillebeau calls time management a lie. Time exists independently of us and trying to micromanage hours and days causes nothing but anxiety as time passes.
The first step to overcome time anxiety is to accept that one will never be able to control time. Instead of worrying about the future or holding on to the past, focus on the present.
He asks readers to make the most of their time by choosing something that matters and prioritising small things, rather than trying to do everything. In other words, declutter your time.
The author recommends setting aside a dedicated hour in a comfortable space to engage in activities such as different hobbies and creative projects.
Guillebeau recommends setting up ROEs, which he likens to guideposts or boundaries to navigate through decisions. Not picking up work calls after 9 pm is one example.
People tend to overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what can be accomplished in a year. Long-term planning reduces daily stress.
“Truly, there is time for a life well-lived. If you’re reading this right now, there’s still time,” Chris Guillebeau said.
Thanks for reading!
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