Happiness Through Intentional Time Management
As a busy dual-career couple juggling work and home responsibilities, I'm all too familiar with feeling like I never have enough time. That's why I bought Happier Hour by Dr. Cassie Holmes to learn how to make the most of my minutes and live a happier life. I loved the book.
Dr. Holmes is the Bud Knapp Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. She previously taught at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Holmes has dedicated much of her research to uncovering how to spend time meaningfully.
We hosted Dr. Holmes on the Modern Husbands Podcast to discuss how we can regain control over our time and increase joy in our lives. In this post, I share the most important takeaways, a link to the podcast episode, and a link to my book review.
3 Big Ideas To Better Use Your Time
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Dr. Holmes emphasized that we need to focus on the free time we have and use it intentionally.
For couples, carving out even 30 minutes of intentional, undistracted time together can create meaningful connection. An example she shared was that she and her husband take daily walks with their dog. It's a simple ritual that strengthens their relationship.
She believes it's important to define these routines as rituals. Name them and make them special. Perhaps a ritual with your partner is “Our Evening Walk” or “Sunday Coffee Chats.”
Action Step to Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Identify one activity you already do together and elevate it into a cherished ritual.
2. Use Time Blocking to Protect What Matters
One of Dr. Holmes's most practical tools is time blocking, setting aside specific blocks of time for the most important areas of your life. Many of us do that for work, but rarely for ourselves.
Think about the activities that make you happiest and start by scheduling those first. Date nights with your partner or carving out time for exercise. Think about the activities that rejuvenate you or bring you closer as a couple, and prioritize those.
When these moments are intentionally scheduled, they’re less likely to be pushed aside by the monotony of living.
Action Step to Use Time Blocking to Protect What Matters
Sit down with your partner to plan an “ideal week.” Include time for yourself and each other.
3. Savor the Simple Joys
Often, the happiest moments are the simplest ones if we allow ourselves to be present. It could be hanging out with our kids with our phones in a different room. Whatever it is, it needs to be intentional. Here's why.
We tend to get accustomed to routines, which can lead us to overlook the simple moments that bring us joy. If we don't take steps to break our habits, we'll miss out on those simple joys.
Action Step to Savor the Simple Joys
Over the next two weeks, track your time and note the activities that bring you the most joy. Then, find ways to incorporate those activities into your schedule more intentionally.
Related: Book Review: Happier Hour by Dr. Cassie Holmes
Modern Husbands Podcast Episode
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Original Post: 6/23/25
Updated Post: 11/1/26
