Ep. 199 – Paul Fenner – Time Wealth Versus Time Debt: Lessons from Parenting and Planning
I'm diving into a topic that's been on my mind lately: the idea of "time wealth"—and, just as importantly, "time debt." After coming off a busy stretch like tax season, I often find myself trying to catch up on everything I put on hold, only to realize I'm paying for it in stress, exhaustion, and those lost moments I wish I'd shared with my family.
Inspired by insights from Greg McKeown and Ann Laure Lecomte, I reflect on the many faces of time anxiety—from the frantic rush of daily life to worries about the future to that existential feeling that time with my kids and wife is slipping away too fast. Additionally, I share some perspectives on defining what "time well spent" really means.
I hope this creates awareness to be more intentional about your own time, reduces the anxiety that comes with always feeling behind, and reminds you—and myself—that it's never too late to focus on what truly makes us happy.
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And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
Being aware of our relationship with time - recognizing time debt and defining what "time well spent" means to us - can help us be more intentional with how we spend our most precious resource, leading to deeper fulfillment and less anxiety.
1 Way You Can Apply This
To reduce time anxiety and feel more fulfilled, take five or ten minutes to intentionally define what “time well spent” means to you - whether that’s being present with family, pursuing meaningful work, or simply enjoying small moments. By clarifying your purpose and choices, you’ll spend less energy worrying about lost time and more energy living in alignment with what matters most.
1 Question to Ask
What does ‘time well spent’ truly mean to me, and am I intentionally making choices that reflect that?
Key Moments From the Show
00:00:00 Coming out of a busy season leads to "time debt"—feeling anxious and rushed to catch up on missed tasks.
00:01:47 Realization that time debt, unlike financial debt, is paid in stress and missed opportunities with family.
00:02:46 Introduces concepts from Ann Laure Lecomp’s book on time anxiety: current, future, and existential forms.
00:03:34 Balancing professional passion with being present as a husband and father, feeling overwhelmed by kids’ activities.
00:05:09 Holidays highlight the passage of time and the challenge of holding onto family traditions as kids grow older.
00:05:52 Awareness of time’s finite nature fuels intentional choices; we fear being “too late,” but it’s never truly too late.
00:06:58 The first step to reducing time anxiety: define what "time well spent" means for you and your family.
00:07:32 Taking a few minutes to reflect on purpose and what matters most can prevent regret and time anxiety.
00:08:13 Overthinking happiness creates more anxiety; focusing on what truly brings joy helps reduce time stress.