What’s the only thing we all have the same amount of? It’s the number of hours in our day. We live in a culture that is focused on productivity, but David Buck, the author of The Time Optimized Life, has a different perspective on time. He says we should be thinking about time optimization, not time management, and he bases his approach on lean thinking. I invited him to spend a little time with me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights. Note: this conversation is especially important for people who are considering retirement or other major work transitions!
David Buck
David Buck is the author of The Time-Optimized Life and brings over 35 years of experience in organizational and time management to his work. Drawing from an affluent career in business development, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies and innovative small businesses, David developed a comprehensive understanding of business and began thinking about a life strategy that balances career with personal fulfillment.
Having led numerous teams, David understands the difference between productivity and mere busyness. He believes strongly that people in their late 40s and beyond should have the option to pursue fulfilling lives without compromising their career aspirations. As his first customer, David embodies his philosophy, showing his clients that they do not have to choose between a rewarding career and a satisfying personal life. Instead, he guides them in crafting a lifestyle that excites and sustains them, whether it involves full-time work, part-time engagement, or a purposeful retirement.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:04:45 The focus on retirement and life after work
00:08:40 The importance of human connections and meaningful activities in retirement
00:11:41 Defining one’s purpose and guiding principles for using time
00:16:23 Negotiating unique employment structures for flexibility in retirement
00:19:54 Building relationship capital at work and personal life
00:23:20 Embracing diversity and continuous improvement in retirement planning
00:26:56 The challenge of transitioning to retirement and finding purpose
00:31:37 Sharing life stories and family histories as a productive activity
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Time optimization emphasizes proactive planning for adaptable, effective scheduling.
- Optimizing time allows for prioritizing amid unexpected events.
- Defining life purpose is essential for a meaningful retirement transition.
- Planning diverse activities helps prevent monotony in retirement.
- Work-life flexibility, supported by relationship-building, allows responsiveness to personal needs.
- Relationship capital at work enables flexibility and smoother work-life transitions.
- Documenting life stories creates a lasting legacy for future generations.
- Lean principles applied to personal life improve time management with small changes.
Memorable Quotes From David Buck
“Practice patience, as meaningful things often take longer than expected; it allows you to learn, grow, and appreciate the journey.”
CONNECT WITH David Buck
Website: https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/tma/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinitylifestyle/