I Don't Have Time: 15-minute ways to shape a life you love

by Audrey Thomas, Emma Grey

We live in a time of 'hurry sickness'. 'Busy' has become a competitive sport - and it's a sport with no winners. But somewhere, underneath all of this hard slog, there are the things we really want to do. The things that bring us joy and give our lives meaning. More often than not, the only thing standing between us and getting on with those things is ourselves. Our lives don't have to be as complicated as we make them. Through stories, theories and practical exercises, 'I Don't Have Time' explores 50 excuses we make that keep us from getting on with the things that really matter to us. These are the excuses that hold us back in our health and wellbeing, our careers, relationships, finances, home environments, personal development and recreation. Using humour, anecdotes, research into productivity and Emma and Audrey's proven 'My 15 Minutes' approach, this is a practical guide to ditching overwhelm and making progress in all the areas that matter most. It flips the notion that we need great swathes of time to get ahead with things, instead encouraging us to use the nooks and crannies in our day to achieve big things over time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

Audrey Grace Thomas, née Callahan, novelist and short story writer (b at Binghamton, NY 17 Nov 1935). Audrey Thomas was educated at Smith College, Mass, and St Andrews University, Scotland, and then taught in England for a year. In 1959 she moved to Canada and in 1963 earned an MA at the University of British Columbia. From 1964 to 1966 she lived in Ghana, but eventually settled on Galiano Island. She has published more than 15 novels and short story collections, more than 20 radio plays, several broadcast on CBC Radio, and numerous travel articles, some of which featured in Air Canada's in-flight magazine.

Thomas' writing has been described as feminine; her forte is the minutiae of women's lives, and she has claimed to strive "to demonstrate the terrible gap between men and women" and "to give women a sense of their bodies." Her style is characterized by word play; she emphasizes puns, etymologies, euphemisms, words within words, and pointing to the inherent possibilities, ironies and ambiguities of language. This close attention to language highlights the act of writing itself, and the possibilities and impossibilities of communication in human relationships. Her writing is also rich with literary allusion, from Shakespeare to Conrad, and from the Bible to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Audrey Thomas is a multi-award winning author. She has been recognized provincially, winning the Ethel Wilson Prize three times (for Intertidal Life, 1985, Wild Blue Yonder, 1991 and Coming Down from Wa, 1996). She has twice been nominated for the Governor General's Award (1984 and 1985), and has been internationally recognized with the Canada-Scotland Writer's Literary fellowship (1984-6) and the Canada-Australia Literary Prize (1989). In 1987 she won the Marian Engel Award, awarded annually to a female Canadian author for her contribution to Canadian literature. In 2003 Audrey Thomas won the Terasen Lifetime Achievement Award.

(from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.co...)

Reviews

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved so many things about this book, so in no particular order -
Engaging personal stories
Realistic actions you can take immediately (yes while actually still reading the book)
Covers all facets of life - work, relationships, health, fun, $, home
Laugh out loud moments
A few tears along the way
A thorough index - often overlooked but essential element to any great book (imho)

I'm inspired to take action and change some long held habits after reading this fabulous book and can see myself coming back to each section time and again as I continue shaping a life I love

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new year is beginning in 4 days and I'm ready for a new start too. This book is a great way to look at all the different aspects of my life (work, home, relationships, finance, fun etc) and make sure I'm living the way I want to and not just letting life drift along without me noticing.
It's entertaining if you want a quick read, but I recommend taking your time, doing the 15 minute experiments that are spread throughout the book, and stopping to think every now and then.
I'm feeling inspired and ready to rock a brilliant new year. I'm planning on keeping it handy and checking in every so often to keep myself accountable.

[Megan McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its got skyscrapers and bras; musicals and scars. All before school drop off. This book quietens my unhelpful voice and cranks up the volume on health, relationships, career and being one with me. And it does it with tissue reaching guffaws. This book is spending a night in..it's your comfy pjs.... it's your girlfriends dancing at the taxi rank and leaping together off the bungee tower in Cairns. I felt great reading and doing this book. Go buy it.

[Sharon Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it!

It's fabulously practical, with everything from simple techniques to free up time in your day, to stories and exercises that prompt deep reflection and change.

This is not your average 'self-help'/motivational book - often when I read these types of books I 'get it' intellectually, but don't put much of it into meaningful action because it feels like an overwhelming change. With IDHT the simplicity of some of the experiments and the fact you can start to experience change right from the first experiment means it will have real, tangible benefits.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stressed, too busy, wanted to find some 'me time' or thought 'I don't have time' to do the things you REALLY want to do (or know that you should do, for your own health) then this is the book for you.

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands up who always answer "busy" to the question "How are you?"
Hands up who constantly tells themselves "I will do that when things quieted down..."
Negative self-talk, imposter syndrome, fear of failure, overwhelmed, head spinning with being busy but feeling like you aren't getting anything done?

A handy book packed full of tips, strategies and stories that will have you nodding along saying "Yes! Me too!"

Yes. Yes you do have time. You are worth it.

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an inspiration for starting 2017 and setting the goal to create a life that I love! It's an easy, lighthearted read but has made such a profound impact on my perspectives on life. The 'mindset gremlins' the book addresses are very familiar, and the fun 'experiments' really helped me to take stock of how I can build more fun, connection and time for what really matters into my days and weeks. Highly recommend!

[Nadene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable book! Easy-to-read with honest and humorous anecdotes throughout. Lots of excellent tips on making small changes to your life by completing 15 minute, practical and do-able exercises.

[Rachael Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a time when I really needed it. I was feeling overwhelmed with my life, my career, with motherhood and feeling like I was drowning and just wanted to run a mile. I felt like I had lost the passion for everything I was doing because it all felt 'too much'. I also felt like I had zero time to just 'be', to enjoy the life I was trying so hard to create. And what's the point in that? The best thing about this book is that it is REAL. It is so easy to read, funny, heartfelt and personal, without being preachy. It didn't make me feel like I was doing everything wrong, it told me that how I was feeling was okay, that I was not alone, and 'hey, here's some ways you can fix it and feel better'. The simple tasks to get myself back on track were so easy (even when I felt like I 'didn't have time' - how ironic) and really did work. Some were easier than others, some were confronting (but sorely needed). Quite simply, I loved this book and have recommended it to so many of my friends and colleagues who I know have felt the same way. Do yourself a favour, read it, now. You DO have time :)

[Danyelle Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book!! I loved it!!
The content is just so relatable for anyone who feels there isn't enough hours in the day and who constantly feels busy. It's such an easy read, and the authors make you feel like you're not alone with the day to day hurdles of life. The personal stories they share have you laughing and crying in equal amounts.
The book provides small techniques to make those changes you need to make in life, and their approach makes those changes seem no where near as daunting as they did before.
An absolute must read for anyone who is currently overwhelmed in life - Perfect New Year Starter!

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I don't "do" self help, I'm not a fan of wallowing or naval gazing, so this book was going to have to be different to hook me and keep me. Harsh, but true. Honestly though, I already knew it would be. I've followed Emma and Audrey and their blogs and programs for a few years now, so I expected real, balanced and practical and that's exactly what I got. By challenging the "mindset gremlins" that we all have, Emma and Audrey have questioned the very premise on which we base our worship at the temple of busy, and they demonstrate clearly and simply how we can extract ourselves from the rabbit hole of overwhelm - 15 minutes at a time. A brilliant book, great to keep on hand for the next time a reset is required, simple yet effective.

[Jen Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The 15 minute book and program changed my mindset. Motivated me to make small changes over a period of time that resulted in much more organisation and self care. Prioritizing what matters and learning not to worry about the rest. Couldn't recommend the book more. Both the authors personalities shine through this book (you can see how much they love seeing people succeed and be happy within themselves).. I reward myself with doing the 15 minute experiments once a week and the results from doing this have been beyond amazing :) ... currently organizing a much over due trip with a friend as a result :)

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library because the cover grabbed me. I enjoyed the writing and the style of the two authors. I just felt like the book took a turn somewhere that confused me. It started out as ways to move into a new life that you love and turned into 15 minute ideas for self-care. I see how the two are connected, but to me it was a bit of a bait-and-switch, particularly since many ideas are directed toward working moms. Also, many ideas are more than 15 minutes. But despite that, I liked it and think it was worth the read.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of me is really wishing I had bought this rather than borrowed it from the library - as its just full of little gem statements.
And the challenges are pretty neat too - I had to photocopy half of them out of the book because I didn't have time to complete them before this was due back at the library!

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the concept and idea covered by this book is nothing new, I really like the practicality aspect of the 'experiments'. Unfortunately a lot of the experiments are either something I have incorporated into my life, or not applicable to me. However, I can see how they can be fresh and new to a lot of people.

[Julie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like it has been written just for me, its like you have watched what I do and don't do, and written a book to help me take better care of me and live a happier day each day! I wish I could go back in time and give this book to my younger self!

[Jennifer Oberth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for breaking through the barriers you've created in life. The authors refer to these mind blocks or life blocks as gremlins, and I love their attitudes and how genuine they are.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Marie Fitzgerald]

Love love love!!

I really loved the practical exercises & while I did not do all of them I know I will one day.

A great read from two great people with so many helpful tips!!!

Even if you are not of those busy people you can still get stuff out of this book!!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on time management. Filled with personal anecdotes and significant observations, but lacks depth.

[Angela Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wished you had more time to do the things that bring joy and meaning to your life? This book is packed full of uplifting stories, and 15 minute tasks to get past the excuses we make. It's time to stop being busy, to stop putting ourselves last and to make time for me - and you!

[Nicole Leedham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Audrey have achieved the (near impossible) a self-help book that is not all "woo". It is not about tapping, or manifesting, or asking the universe for help. Instead it is filled with practical, down to earth tips to help busy adults keep those balls in the air - or at least decide which balls are worth keeping in the air.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’ve been a huge fan of the '15 Minutes’ mindset for a long time now, thanks to Emma and Audrey. So as a bit of a fan-girl, I was anxious to read this book. It’s simply brilliant. So easy to read, it’s like a conversation. So relevant, I’m nodding and saying "YES!” constantly. So sharable - after every chapter, I was thinking about all the people I know who NEED THIS BOOK. In fact, I so desperately wanted to loan it to one friend, I did a speed read of the last two chapters. I can’t wait to get it back and read it all over again!"

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to get myself out of a rut, I found this book.

I felt like I was on a constant roundabout never getting anything done and feeling like I couldn't get it together. I have been able to make little changes using hints from this book. The little changes that have made a big difference to my life but aren't hard to incorporate into every day living.

This is a book that I will be keeping and reading again when I need that little kick.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Don’t Have Time is a book that gets your grey matter working, and will keep you thinking in a gently challenging way. It is a fun, interesting and practical read, with an easy to follow format that instantly draws you in. It explains the very real human issues of busy-ness as a status symbol, which either keeps you on an endless treadmill of busy, or procrastinating your way into stagnation.
This book encourages you to ask yourself what you really value, and then shows you how to get more of it in your life – in achievable 15 minute blocks. We can all do this, and create more of the life we want to be living.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and a refreshing new take on the problem of how to find enough time to do everything. The book combines storytelling, cutting edge concepts and current research with simple, powerful and effective exercises. And most of the exercises are fun. The best part? You can start making a difference to how your days run and what you get done by investing as little as 15 minutes a day. I loved the book so much I signed up for the 90-day course My 15 Minutes which is fabulous. Do yourself a favour and buy this book! In fact buy a couple because you'll want to share it

[Miss D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that provides realistic advice which you can include in your life to make it easier. Make the most of every moment, don't run around achieving little and believe in your amazing self. A great read, down to earth and practical.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great easy to read book, full of fun and wow I thought it was just me moments. These two writers a real people living life and dealing with a lot of "stuff" they do not set them selves up to be experts, more , they are showing how they cope and how you can. Love , love , love this book

[Justine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written for me. Seriously! It was also written for anyone who feels as though their life has taken on a life of it's own rendering them too busy to do anything but hold on for fear of being left behind. It's about claiming back the little things, the things you love, or loved to do. The things that make, or made you feel excited. Energised. Alive. The things that are important to you and not anyone else.

Written by real women with real experiences it's simply easy to read. Best of all you don't have to sit and read it all in one go - no self help book needed to get through the self help book here! It's broken down into small, achievable 'experiments' that help you to slowly realise you actually don't have to be 'busy' and that you do have time. You'll find yourself laughing one moment and nodding your head in agreement at something you thought only happened to you the next! And then there's the moments when you find your eyes are leaking. That's the real moment that what is written is just so on point.

So. Do yourself a favour. Grab a copy and start experimenting. You won't regret it!

[Jacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some great ways to take all that pressure of this "perfect life" off your weary shoulders. Learning to take some time, even 15mins for yourself, or to tackle that chore you have been procrastinating about for 3 months. A plan to put in to action a way to get your life back on track - 15minutes at a time

[Melinda Crumblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. It's beautifully written, enjoyable, entertaining and practical. Lots of wonderful suggestions on how to carve out time for you in a busy life, and it's doable! Highly recommended.