168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam

Last updated: Jul 17, 2023

Summary of 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam

168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think is a self-help book written by Laura Vanderkam. The book aims to help readers make the most of their time by challenging the common belief that there is never enough time in a day.

Vanderkam argues that everyone has 168 hours in a week, and it is how we choose to spend those hours that determines our productivity and fulfillment. She encourages readers to take a closer look at how they currently spend their time and identify areas where they can make improvements.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of time management. In Part One, Vanderkam discusses the concept of time tracking and how it can help individuals gain a better understanding of how they allocate their time. She provides practical tips on how to track time effectively and encourages readers to prioritize their activities based on their values and goals.

In Part Two, Vanderkam explores the idea of "core competencies" and how individuals can leverage their strengths to maximize their time. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on activities that align with one's skills and passions, and outsourcing or delegating tasks that can be done by others. Vanderkam also addresses the issue of work-life balance and suggests strategies for integrating work and personal life in a way that brings fulfillment and satisfaction.

In the final part of the book, Vanderkam delves into the concept of "planning for leisure" and how individuals can make the most of their free time. She encourages readers to be intentional about their leisure activities and suggests various ways to incorporate hobbies, exercise, and socializing into their schedules. Vanderkam also emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation, debunking the myth that being busy equates to being productive.

Throughout the book, Vanderkam provides numerous real-life examples and case studies to illustrate her points. She also offers practical tips and exercises for readers to implement in their own lives. The overall message of the book is that time is a valuable resource that can be managed and optimized, and by doing so, individuals can lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.

1. Time is a choice

In her book, Vanderkam challenges the common belief that we don't have enough time. She argues that we all have the same 168 hours in a week, and it's how we choose to spend those hours that determines our productivity and fulfillment. By recognizing that time is a choice, we can prioritize our activities and make conscious decisions about how we want to spend our time. This mindset shift empowers us to take control of our schedules and make the most of our limited time.

One practical way to implement this insight is by tracking how we spend our time. By keeping a time log for a week, we can identify time-wasting activities and areas where we can make better choices. This awareness allows us to eliminate or delegate tasks that don't align with our priorities, freeing up time for activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

2. The power of morning routines

Vanderkam emphasizes the importance of starting our days intentionally. She suggests creating a morning routine that sets the tone for the rest of the day. By waking up early and engaging in activities that nourish our mind, body, and soul, we can increase our productivity and well-being.

Some examples of morning routines include meditation, exercise, journaling, reading, or engaging in a creative hobby. By dedicating time to these activities before the demands of the day take over, we can prioritize self-care and personal growth. This intentional start to the day can boost our energy levels, improve our focus, and set us up for success.

3. The importance of identifying our core competencies

Vanderkam encourages readers to identify their core competencies and focus on activities that align with their strengths. By recognizing our unique skills and talents, we can delegate or outsource tasks that are not within our expertise. This allows us to free up time for activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

For example, if you're a writer, spending time on administrative tasks or graphic design might not be the best use of your time. By delegating these tasks to someone else, you can focus on what you do best and maximize your productivity. This insight reminds us to prioritize our strengths and leverage them to create the most impact in our personal and professional lives.

4. The power of saying no

Vanderkam highlights the importance of setting boundaries and saying no to activities that don't align with our priorities. By being selective about how we spend our time, we can avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed.

Saying no can be challenging, especially when we want to please others or fear missing out on opportunities. However, Vanderkam argues that saying no allows us to protect our time and energy for activities that truly matter to us. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing our commitments, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

5. The myth of work-life balance

Vanderkam challenges the notion of work-life balance and suggests that it's more about work-life integration. Instead of striving for an equal distribution of time between work and personal life, she encourages readers to find ways to integrate the two.

For example, if you enjoy spending time with your family, you can involve them in your work or find ways to combine work and personal activities. This integration allows for a more holistic approach to life, where work and personal life complement each other rather than compete for time and attention.

6. The power of small moments

Vanderkam emphasizes the significance of small moments in our lives. She encourages readers to make the most of these moments by being present and intentional.

For example, instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media during a short break, we can use that time to connect with a loved one, engage in a hobby, or practice mindfulness. By making conscious choices about how we spend these small moments, we can add meaning and joy to our lives.

7. The importance of self-reflection

Vanderkam suggests that self-reflection is crucial for personal growth and productivity. By taking time to reflect on our values, goals, and priorities, we can make better choices about how we spend our time.

Self-reflection can be done through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes each day to pause and evaluate our actions and decisions. This practice allows us to align our actions with our values and make intentional choices that lead to a more fulfilling life.

8. The value of leisure and rest

Vanderkam reminds readers of the importance of leisure and rest in our lives. She argues that taking time for relaxation and rejuvenation is not a waste of time but a necessary component of a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

By prioritizing leisure activities and ensuring we get enough rest, we can recharge our energy levels, reduce stress, and increase our overall well-being. This insight serves as a reminder to make time for activities that bring us joy and allow us to unwind, whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones.