"Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend." This ancient wisdom from Theophrastus forms the foundation of “Time Smart” by Ashley Whillans, a book that invites us to rethink our priorities by valuing time over money.
1. The Concept of Time Affluence
Time affluence refers to the feeling of having sufficient time to engage in activities that matter. In contrast to "time poverty," where hours feel scarce, fostering time affluence offers a life full of genuine engagement and joy. Whillans argues that this shift in focus is vital for a balanced, fulfilling life.
We often subordinate time to money, believing financial wealth will bring happiness. For example, many people work overtime, sacrificing leisure, relationships, and health. However, studies reveal that time affluence contributes more to happiness than income does. It isn't about having more hours but learning to cherish and use the time we have wisely.
Whillans emphasizes changing our relationship with time through conscious choices. Avoid treating time as an infinite resource. Give it the same importance as money, if not more. By doing so, we allow ourselves to truly experience life, create memories, and prioritize well-being.
Examples
- Workers who opt for shorter commutes report higher well-being than those who prioritize salary over convenience.
- Wealthy individuals who outsource chores like cleaning or grocery shopping often report a greater sense of happiness.
- Researchers found that retirees who treasure their time, rather than worrying about dwindling funds, live more contentedly.
2. Money vs. Time
The universal chase for financial gains often leads us into a cycle of dissatisfaction. Whillans notes that while money can solve problems, it cannot buy time or rewrite priorities.
We should question the belief that more money automatically equals more happiness. Studies suggest a salary beyond $75,000 a year shows minimal correlation with increased day-to-day contentment. Yet, many sacrifice time with loved ones or personal pursuits to maintain or chase financial wealth.
Instead of chasing dollars, Whillans advises asking, "What brings meaning and joy to my minutes and hours?" Reflecting on the value of both time and money allows people to make balanced decisions that prioritize long-term well-being.
Examples
- A parent taking a pay cut to work fewer hours and attend their child’s sports games.
- A freelancer choosing fewer, higher-paid projects to free up weekends.
- A traveler who opts for direct flights to save time, even if the cost is slightly higher.
3. The Myth of "Busy"
Being busy isn't always a badge of honor. Whillans explains how closely society links busyness with productivity and success, even if it undermines our happiness.
People often fill their schedules to impress others or as an unconscious response to guilt over inactivity. However, studies reveal that excessive busyness can lead to burnout, isolation, and diminished mental health. Time affluence encourages rejecting this mindset and focusing on purpose, not tasks.
The antidote? Create moments that align with personal values and bring joy, rather than overloading your calendar for appearances or false accomplishments.
Examples
- A manager declining non-essential meetings to dedicate time to meaningful work.
- An overbooked family deliberately carving out one unplanned "free day" weekly.
- A student prioritizing rest over extracurriculars when feeling overwhelmed.
4. Reflection Is Key
Understanding how we spend our hours requires looking inward. Whillans advocates for honest reflection on daily habits to uncover time-wasters or unfulfilling activities.
Looking back at your day should help identify tasks driven by autopilot rather than intentional choice. Mindless scrolling, procrastination, or distractions can rob us of the opportunity to focus on things we truly care about.
By maintaining a journal that tracks time spent on different activities, individuals can tweak routines and eliminate non-essential patterns for better alignment with their emotional and mental needs.
Examples
- A professional reviewing their habit of responding to emails outside work hours.
- A hobbyist realizing they enjoy a passion less when performed for social media likes rather than personal satisfaction.
- A commuter replacing passive listening with audiobooks that feed their intellectual curiosity.
5. The Power of "Slack Time"
Whillans introduces “slack time,” or intentional unscheduled time, as a tool to regain autonomy over our schedules. Slack time allows us to handle unexpected events or indulge in spontaneous joys.
Without slack time, our packed calendars leave no room for flexibility or creativity. This rigidity can increase stress and feelings of inadequacy when plans derail. Slack time, on the other hand, fosters mental clarity and provides a buffer from life's chaos.
To integrate slack time, commit to leaving chunks of your schedule open or penciling in breaks free from obligations.
Examples
- An entrepreneur scheduling "buffer hours" to brainstorm or unwind after client meetings.
- A family opting for a "plan-free" vacation day to explore a city at whim.
- A teacher refraining from overloading lesson plans to allow student-led discussions.
6. Identifying Calendar Triggers
Understanding how we relate to time is essential for smarter planning. Whillans differentiates between "clock-time" people who stick rigidly to schedules and "event-time" people who embrace spontaneity.
Each group interacts with time differently. Being aware of your calendar tendencies informs how you structure obligations and free time. Adopting the strategy that aligns with your natural mindset reduces frustration and inefficiency.
You may lean toward one approach, but striking a balance between structure and flexibility is necessary to create meaningful schedules.
Examples
- A clock-time friend leveraging reminders to minimize schedule overlaps and tardiness.
- An event-time colleague building projects around progress rather than rigid deadlines.
- A hybrid worker balancing structured meetings with loose post-meeting brainstorming.
7. Technology: Friend or Foe?
Whillans highlights how our tech habits influence time perception. Digital distractions shrink mental bandwidth and eat into time we could use deliberately.
Silencing notifications or setting app usage limits helps mitigate these distractions. Instead, turn to tools that simplify tasks, freeing emotional and physical energy for richer activities.
Mindful technology adoption ensures it serves our goals, not steers them.
Examples
- A professional who disables work notifications after-hours to strengthen family relationships.
- A student using time-tracking apps to allocate study sessions strategically.
- A parent turning off streaming services during family dinners.
8. Value-Driven Choices
Anchoring decisions to core values ensures time is spent meaningfully. For instance, some value family over career progression, while others prioritize lifelong learning or creative pursuits.
Time affluence, therefore, depends largely on clarifying what matters most and consciously aligning actions with those values. This clarity prevents resentment, regrets, or second-guessing how you spent your hours.
Whillans encourages aligning key time-allocation questions to your ultimate personal philosophy.
Examples
- A professional stepping back from a promotion requiring long hours to maintain quality time with loved ones.
- A minimalist entrepreneur prioritizing personal growth over rapid business scaling.
- A retiree dedicating mornings to hiking trails because it supports their core value of authenticity.
9. The Practice of Discipline
Achieving time affluence isn’t passive—it requires consistent effort. Whillans underscores maintaining accountability while embracing small yet sustainable changes in managing time.
Building habits such as weekly reflections, eliminating nonessential chores, or gradually reducing overwork paves the way for lasting impact. The objective is not perfection but progress.
Remember, cultivating time affluence is an ongoing commitment, reinforcing the adage, "Small steps make big changes."
Examples
- A team player delegating tasks to avoid being perpetually overwhelmed.
- A hobbyist incrementally shaving off hours spent online to create painting time.
- A city resident deliberately squeezing in fresh-air walks between appointments.
Takeaways
- Take stock of your time weekly to identify where it aligns—or misaligns—with your values. Commit to adjusting habits for better alignment.
- Schedule blocks of "slack time” in your week for spontaneity and to reduce overcommitment.
- Use technology selectively: silence notifications, seek apps that enhance productivity, and limit time-wasting digital habits.