Episode Overview:

In this episode, Andrew and Catherine dive into one of the most common challenges of modern life: time scarcity. They debunk the myth that "everyone has the same 24 hours" and offer practical strategies for reclaiming your day, without guilt or shame. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just want to use your time more intentionally, this conversation blends mindset shifts with real-life hacks to help you create more freedom in your schedule.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why the "same 24 hours" concept is flawed
• The first step: awareness and identifying where your time really goes
• Tools like the Opal app to track screen usage and recapture time
• Time guilt vs. intentional living
• How micro-moments of connection count more than rigid blocks
• Reframing movement: "exercise sipping" and stacking activity into existing routines
• Future Self Thinking: framing daily choices as gifts to your tomorrow self
• Identifying "dead time" and turning it into productive or restful time
• Avoiding shame around productivity and honoring seasons of life

Actionable Steps for Listeners:

1. Track Your Time: Use screen trackers like Opal to bring awareness to phone use.
2. Make One Meaningful Connection a Day: Especially with your kids, focus on quality, not quantity.
3. Use "Dead Time" Wisely: Listen to audiobooks during errands, do squats while your coffee brews.
4. Time Things: Fold laundry, clean the kitchen – then realize how little time it really takes.
5. Stack Habits: Pair movement or learning with existing routines.
6. Give Yourself Grace: Your season of life might not be your season for building big things, and that's okay.

Quotes:

"Your internal representation of time becomes your external experience of it."

"The dishes don’t take an hour – they just feel like they do when you’re tired."

"Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is stare into space while the coffee brews."

Catherine’s Aha Moments:

• Realizing that she was spending decades of her life on her phone and using Opal to cut that time dramatically.
• Switching from task-shaming to future-self thinking: "Morning Catherine will love that I did this now."

Andrew’s Aha Moments:

• Understanding how micro-movements like "planking during espresso" add up to full workouts over time.
• Emphasizing that if something truly matters to you, you'll find the time for it, but it has to be intentional.

Glimmers of the Week:

Catherine: Morning puzzles and one-on-one time with her son, appreciating the rarity of alone time with twins.

Andrew: Clothes shopping with his son – fast, intentional, and a reminder of the joy in simple connections.

Resources Mentioned:

• Opal App for Screen Time Management
• Instant Pot
• Audible Free Trial

Connect with Us:

Visit Five Year You for more resources and coaching opportunities.

Follow us on Instagram: @fiveyearyou

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical, emotional, or personal concerns. Some links mentioned in this episode may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.