---
title: "Alive time or dead time"
description: "Robert Greene's test for any period of failure or waiting."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/ego-is-the-enemy/alive-time-or-dead-time/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Alive time or dead time

> Robert Greene's test for any period of failure or waiting.

Ryan Holiday's framework, from Ego Is the Enemy, pp. 134 to 182.

Framework 5 of 5 from [Ego Is the Enemy](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/ego-is-the-enemy/index.md) by Ryan Holiday. Category: Founder mindset.

## The steps

1. **Name the situation.** Recognise a stretch you did not choose or control as either alive or dead time.
2. **Pick a purpose for it.** Use it for learning and doing what you have long put off.
3. **Do not repeat the old pattern.** Avoid reinvesting in the behaviour that caused the problem.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: PART III: FAILURE, pp. 134–182

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/ego-is-the-enemy/alive-time-or-dead-time.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/ego-is-the-enemy/alive-time-or-dead-time-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/ego-is-the-enemy/alive-time-or-dead-time.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/ego-is-the-enemy/alive-time-or-dead-time-dark.png