168 Hours - Laura Vanderkam

Book Summary

"168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think" is a self-help book written by Laura Vanderkam. The book is based on the premise that we all have 168 hours in a week, and it's up to us how we use that time. The author encourages readers to think about their time in a more intentional way, by prioritizing what's truly important to them and making time for those things.
The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of time management. In the first section, Vanderkam encourages readers to track their time for a week, in order to get an accurate picture of how they're spending their hours. She provides tips for how to do this effectively and offers insights into how people tend to use their time.
In the second section, Vanderkam discusses the idea of "core competencies," or the things that we're naturally good at and enjoy doing. She encourages readers to focus on these competencies and find ways to delegate or outsource the tasks that don't fall within them. This section also includes advice on how to manage email, meetings, and other common time-wasters.
The final section of the book focuses on making the most of your time outside of work. Vanderkam encourages readers to think about what they truly enjoy doing and to make time for those activities, whether it's spending time with family and friends, pursuing a hobby, or volunteering.
Throughout the book, Vanderkam uses real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate her points, and she includes practical tips and exercises to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives. The book's message is ultimately one of empowerment: by taking control of our time and using it in ways that align with our values and goals, we can live more fulfilling and satisfying lives.

Key Takeaways

1. We all have the same amount of time in a week: 168 hours. It's up to us how we use that time.
2. The key to effective time management is to prioritize what's truly important to us and make time for those things.
3. Tracking your time for a week can give you a more accurate picture of how you're actually spending your time, and help you identify areas where you can make changes.
4. Focusing on your core competencies (the things you're naturally good at and enjoy doing) can help you be more productive and fulfilled.
5. Delegating or outsourcing tasks that don't fall within your core competencies can free up time for more meaningful activities.
6. Email and meetings can be major time-wasters, so it's important to manage them effectively.
7. Making time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work is crucial for a well-rounded, satisfying life.
8. By taking control of our time and using it in ways that align with our values and goals, we can live more fulfilling and satisfying lives.