The Time Academy Podcast: Recent Episodes

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Get the Free Time Academy Guide!My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a time management podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Big ones and small ones but questions nonetheless.

For example, how did this podcast become your priority just now?

You may think, “this is not my priority” and yet surely our priorities are what we do, not what we say or think?

In fact, stepping back a little, how did you decide to allocate your time throughout your day today as you switched from one priority to another?

The podcast won’t likely offer many answers, but it will hopefully offer different questions. And let’s be honest – if you are not comfortable with questions this podcast may not be for you. Similarly, if you are just seeking ready answers, you’ll probably find insight elsewhere.

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

The 20 episodes consist of short reflections in which I share some of my own insights but most importantly I leave you with some questions that might offer a slightly different perspective. Each episode covers one topic and, as befits a reflection on time, only lasts a few minutes but will hopefully echo for some time thereafter!

For me, possibility comes not from seeking answers but from learning to ask better questions and that ultimately is the purpose of this podcast.

About Tom O'LearyTom’s mission is to help others think more deeply and make better decisions. The key to our thinking is our curiosity. The more we question the more possible answers we uncover. This podcast is about deepening that practice.

And yet, in a culture obsessed with efficiency and productivity, the paradox is that much time, energy and resources are wasted by a bias towards action over contemplation.

If you are answering the wrong question, it doesn’t matter how ‘hard’ you work, you are still answering the wrong question.

If any of this resonates, please reach out to Tom at hello@tomoleary.ie or message him directly on LinkedIn.

Learn more about how Tom helps decision-makers think differently!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a time management podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 20 - Your Priorities Are What You Do

The Episode at a Glance

Our priorities are what we do, not what we say or think.
Many people struggle with this, saying one thing whilst their actions tell a different story.
So, what priorities are you actually living?
Do these differ from the stories you tell yourself?
Indeed, how do you even know what your true priorities are?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/time-management-podcast/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-20-your-priorities-are-what-you-do/

About Tom

Tom empowers leaders to filter out the noise and focus on the essentials. In an increasingly competitive world, being able to distinguish the crucial from the trivial has become a strategic necessity. His mission? To guide you in investing your energy where it truly matters by building an Always Be Questioning mindset. Learn more about how Tom Empowers Leaders to Prioritise the Essential!

What Might be Possible If We Believed It Were Possible?

Questions have a strange power. They can release us from what we believe to be true by offering us glimpses of something different. Indeed, there are times in that brief moment after a question is asked when it feels like anything is possible.

Questions have certainly given me the freedom and permission to pursue my passions and live a life I would never have thought possible. That is why I am a big advocate of Nurturing Curiosity at all ages.

If you are a leader, you will no doubt already know that continually nurturing curiosity in leadership is absolutely key. Indeed, that is why we started the Bigger Questions Project around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions? Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

This podcast is edited by podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 19 - Time Defaults

The Episode at a Glance

Much of our lives are lived through default behaviour (habits, routines, rituals...).
Such behaviour can become so ingrained that we hardly notice it.
And yet it can highly condition how we allocate our time and energy.

To change these defaults we need to consider three questions:

1) What are my time defaults?

2) What underlying purpose does each one serve?

3) What time default might be more beneficial?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-19-time-defaults/

Bigger Questions Project

The podcast is part of the Bigger Questions Project. The Project revolves around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions?

Bigger questions are those thought-provoking questions that challenge our way of seeing the world and cut through to the nub of an issue. They offer moments of complete clarity where deeper insights are revealed, leading to personal growth, innovative solutions and transformative change. By expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fresh horizons and possibility open up.

Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

This podcast is produced with the help of podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 18 - Finding Balance

The Episode at a Glance

Life is in many ways a quest for balance.
How balanced do you feel your life it?
What part of your life is getting the short straw?
What might you do about it?
In short, where might you benefit from more balance in your life?

Further Inspiration

If you are looking to develop a system to bring balance to the various parts of your life feel free to download my Balanced Life System template. You'll find a brief summary and download option here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/find-a-productivity-system-that-works-for-you/

Scroll down to #2 Balanced Life System.

Remember, I developed this system for myself so the invitation is that, rather than simply taking my system or anybody else's system, you develop a system wholly tailored to you.

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-18-finding-balance/

Bigger Questions Project

The podcast is part of the Bigger Questions Project. The Project revolves around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions?

Bigger questions are those thought-provoking questions that challenge our way of seeing the world and cut through to the nub of an issue. They offer moments of complete clarity where deeper insights are revealed, leading to personal growth, innovative solutions and transformative change. By expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fresh horizons and possibility open up.

Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

This podcast is edited and produced with the help of podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 17 - Morning Routines & Crafting Your Day

The Episode at a Glance

We clearly don't know what a particular day may hold or what might best prepare us for that day.
And yet, it is clear that there probably are ways of better preparing for whatever that day has in store for us.
And that preparation starts with our morning routine.
So what might you do over the coming mornings that might increase your chances of looking back on each day with greater satisfaction and fulfilment?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-17-morning-routines-crafting-your-day/

Bigger Questions Project

The podcast is part of the Bigger Questions Project. The Project revolves around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions?

Bigger questions are those thought-provoking questions that challenge our way of seeing the world and cut through to the nub of an issue. They offer moments of complete clarity where deeper insights are revealed, leading to personal growth, innovative solutions and transformative change. By expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fresh horizons and possibility open up.

Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

Editing provided by www.podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 16 - How do I Allocate Time? Part II

The Episode at a Glance

This episode builds on and works with the same basic concepts as the previous episode so if you haven't listened to that yet my invitation is to do so now. Click here to listen: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-15-how-do-i-allocate-time-part-i/
The first key point is that we do allocate time.
It is a deliberate choice.
The question then is what rules govern how you allocate your time?
What have you made your priority?
How do you even know?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-16-how-do-i-allocate-time-part-ii/

Bigger Questions Project

The podcast is part of the Bigger Questions Project. The Project revolves around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions?

Bigger questions are those thought-provoking questions that challenge our way of seeing the world and cut through to the nub of an issue. They offer moments of complete clarity where deeper insights are revealed, leading to personal growth, innovative solutions and transformative change. By expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fresh horizons and possibility open up.

Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

Produced in partnership with podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 15 - How do I Allocate Time? Part I

The Episode at a Glance

Whether we realise it or not we are continually answering the question of How do I Allocate Time?
And yet, are we aware of how exactly we make these decisions?
For example, how will you decide what exactly to do today?
Or even next?

Provocative thought from author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau:

“It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

Further Inspiration

If you want to learn more about time principles this post might be helpful: https://www.tomoleary.ie/feel-stuck-in-a-time-management-loop/

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-15-how-do-i-allocate-time-part-i/

Bigger Questions Project

The podcast is part of the Bigger Questions Project. The Project revolves around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions?

Bigger questions are those thought-provoking questions that challenge our way of seeing the world and cut through to the nub of an issue. They offer moments of complete clarity where deeper insights are revealed, leading to personal growth, innovative solutions and transformative change. By expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fresh horizons and possibility open up.

Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

Released with the support of Podlad Podcast editing services

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My name is Tom O'Leary and I am host of the Time Academy Podcast, a podcast that asks questions of our relationship with time.

Welcome to Episode 14 - How Are Your Physical Environments Affecting You?

The Episode at a Glance

Is place important to you?
For example, does it matter where you work?
Is one office the same as another?
In reality, our physical environments affect not only our health but also our productivity.
Just for starters, temperature, lighting, noise and oxygen levels all play a role in how comfortable and productive we will be in any given environment.

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-14-how-are-your-physical-environments-affecting-you/

Bigger Questions Project

The podcast is part of the Bigger Questions Project. The Project revolves around one key question: How might we empower more people to explore and embrace bigger questions?

Bigger questions are those thought-provoking questions that challenge our way of seeing the world and cut through to the nub of an issue. They offer moments of complete clarity where deeper insights are revealed, leading to personal growth, innovative solutions and transformative change. By expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fresh horizons and possibility open up.

Learn more about the Bigger Questions Project.

Produced with the support of Podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 13 - Making the World Too Small

The Episode at a Glance

The idea of making the world too small is inspired by the poet David Whyte and yet the concept is eternal.
It is about the conversations we choose to have with ourselves and others, and equally importantly the conversations we choose to avoid.
So what conversations are you avoiding?
Where are you refusing to look?

Further Inspiration

If you are looking for further inspiration, treat yourself to the poem Sweet Darkness by David Whyte (text and audio): https://onbeing.org/poetry/sweet-darkness/

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-13-making-the-world-too-small/

This episode was edited by Podlad

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 12 -Doing versus Accomplishing

The Episode at a Glance

Whilst often used almost interchangeably, when you start unpicking Doing and Accomplishing you realise that they can lead to two very different life paths.
Imagine, instead of having a to-do list, you had a to-accomplish list?
How would that feel?
The invitation then is to gradually switch from thinking about “tasks to be done” and instead focus on “outcomes to be accomplished”.

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-12-doing-versus-accomplishing/

Produced with the help of www.podlad.com

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 11 - How is Past Experience Affecting You?

The Episode at a Glance

We may think the past is past and so is gone and yet we are ultimately products of the past.
Our habits are memories of past experiences, our schedules are past commitments over our time, our thought patterns are ways of thinking from the past.
The past is thus only truly past when we set it down.
Otherwise, it can weigh heavily on our present and on our future.
So, what are you carrying from the past that you might put down?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-11-how-is-past-experience-affecting-you/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 10 - Time Tenses: Past, Present and Future

The Episode at a Glance

How much of your time do you feel you spend in the present?
What hold does the past have over you?
In fact, what hold does the future have over you?
Does one of the three tenses have more sway?
A famous Harvard study back in 2010 found that in fact around 47% of our waking hours are spent in the non-present.
It is as if we time travel in our minds, meaning our experience of time isn’t always as linear as we imagine.
"We can be caught up as much or more by unlived memories from the future as by lived memories from the past" - Tom O'Leary

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-10-time-tenses-past-present-and-future/

This podcast is released with the help of https://www.podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 9 - To-do Lists and Stress

The Episode at a Glance

To-do lists are supposed to be helpful, right?
Sure, given our complex lives, they can help calm our brains, which have a tendency to hang on to the undone and the unfinished.
And yet, for many people they turn into millstones, nagging them about what remains to be done rather than congratulating them on what has been done.
So, are your to-do lists more a source of stress or a source of satisfaction?
This episode explores one potential way of using to-do lists but the key is finding a system that truly serves you.

Provocative thought from poet David Whyte:

“The great tragedy of the to-do list is that it was put together by the person you were yesterday.”

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-9-to-do-lists-and-stress/

This episode was edited by Podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 8 - Urgent vs. Important

The Episode at a Glance

The distinction between what is urgent and what is important goes to the heart of any discussion on time and productivity.
In fact, how do you distinguish?
Also let's not forget that everyone has their own sense of what is important and what is urgent. How can we be sure that we're working on our priorities as opposed to following someone's else agenda?
In short, how do you know what is important for you today?

Further Inspiration:

Eisenhower Matrix: Scroll down to System #3: An Excel template is available to download at the end of the section. https://www.tomoleary.ie/find-a-productivity-system-that-works-for-you/

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-8-urgent-vs-important/

Podcast edited by Podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 7 - Resetting Expectations

The Episode at a Glance

What do you expect from this podcast episode?
How does it help to build up a mental picture in advance?
And yet that is what many of us do all day by building up pictures of how we would like the future to be.
Despite all this effort, how often does the future play out as we want? So why do we bother?
Ask yourself: How can I expect less of the world and of others?

Interesting Quotes:

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” - Alexander Pope
“Do you want to know what my secret is? I don’t mind what happens.” - Jiddu Krishnamurti

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-7-resetting-expectations/

This podcast is released with the help of Podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 6 - Play and Creativity

The Episode at a Glance

Why have an episode on playfulness?
What a waste of time! Adults are too busy to play. Right?
In practice, however, if we are too busy trying to crack a problem head on because we don’t have time for seeming idleness we can spend much longer than if we were to take the time to play and creatively explore whatever is in front of us.
Listen to what John Cleese had to say on the matter in his book Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide:

“Most adults […] find it hard to be playful — no doubt because they have to take care of all the responsibilities that come with an adult’s life. Creative adults, however, have not forgotten how to play.”

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-6-play-and-creativity/

This episode was released with the help of Podlad Podcast production services

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 5 - Not All Hours Are Created Equal

The Episode at a Glance

Not all hours are created equal and yet we often act as if they are, randomly scheduling activities throughout the day.
And yet this seemingly simple task of scheduling 'what when' can have a direct impact on the outcome.
So consider building a set of questions you can use to increase self-knowledge:
Who and what give me energy?
What do I find easy to concentrate on?
When am I typically most productive?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-5-not-all-hours-are-created-equal/

This podcast is edited by Podlad.com

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 4 - Hard Work and Morality

The Episode at a Glance

The hard work mantra so prized by many may no longer be fit for purpose for modern knowledge workers.
Different attitudes and approaches to work may be more beneficial depending on what outcomes are being sought.
Given the choice - would you prefer to be known for being hard working or for accomplishing more by not working hard?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-4-hard-work-and-morality/

Production and editing from Podlad

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 3 - Productivity and Not Being Enough

The Episode at a Glance

Ever feel like no matter how much you do there is still so much more to get done?

*For many people, to-do lists are eternal with the focus on what hasn’t been done creating a sense of being incomplete, of not being enough.

Productivity can become about trying to shorten the to-do lists and itself become a task. It does sort of beg the question - when then will be enough?

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-3-productivity-and-not-being-enough/

Podcast editing and production assistance from https://www.podlad.com

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 2 -Thinking About Timescales

The Episode at a Glance

At what timescale are you playing?
Playing with timescales allows you to create a vision (set a goal if you like) in one timescale and then focus on process in the shorter ones (habits, routines, rituals).
This can reduce the decisions you have to make on a daily basis while ensuring you make progress on what is important for you.
Ask yourself: "What did I do today to bring me closer to my vision?"

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-2-thinking-about-timescales/

Podcast editing and production assistance from Podlad

The Time Academy Podcast - Episode 1 - What Represents a Good Life For You?

The Episode at a Glance

This may feel a little off topic for a podcast primarily delving into time and productivity but the truth is that we spend much of our time, energy and attention answering this question in our daily actions.
I would argue that almost more than anything else it truly impacts what we do and who we are.
As Eleanor Roosevelt noted:

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and our lives shape us."

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-episode-1-what-represents-a-good-life-for-you/

Podcast Editing and production assistance from https://www.podlad.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Time Academy Podcast asks questions of our relationship with time

What question do you not want to be asked?

Season 1 of the Time Academy Podcast offers a series of short reflections on time, productivity, creativity, accomplishment and much more.

I’ll share some of my own insights but most importantly I’ll leave you with some questions that might offer a slightly different perspective.

Episodes will be released every 2 weeks and each one will cover one topic and as befits a reflection on time will only last a few minutes but will hopefully echo for some time thereafter!

If you find the reflections useful, please share them. I would also love to get your feedback and hear your stories so please feel free to email me at hello @ tomoleary.ie

A full transcript is available here: https://www.tomoleary.ie/the-time-academy-podcast-trailer/

This podcast is edited by Podlad.com