The Free-Time Formula

Introduction

THE DARK SIDE OF PRODUCTIVITY

Six weeks after signing the papers to write this book about free time, happiness, and productivity, I found myself (for the first time), as a patient in the emergency room.

The doctor concluded I had suffered an esophageal spasm, a condition that closely resembles a heart attack and is presumed to be caused in part by stress and anxiety (Whelan, 2017).

How did I get here? How did a guy in his thirties, a productivity coach and marathon runner, find himself so overworked that his own body revolted against him? How did a beautifully manicured calendar with ambitious goals turn into an uncontrollable monster with such an extreme consequence?

Most importantly, how can you craft your own productive, fulfilling, and successful life, while ensuring a situation like this one does not happen to you?

This book is about so much more than free time. It is about so much more than an extra hour of Netflix, or another night out on the town. This book is about designing your ideal world and experiencing the extraordinary benefits that come with it.

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

Let's back this story up just a bit. There is a lot to unfold here.

One year before my surprising medical fiasco I was in a good place. I was working hard, accomplishing goals left and right, and riding a wave of hope, optimism, and some seriously great outcomes.

Right in the middle of this productive season I got sick and took a few days off to recover. I was beaten up, exhausted, ...