168 Hours - by Laura VanderKam (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

There are 168 hours in a week. This book is about where the time really goes, and how we can all use it better.

It's an unquestioned truth of modern life: we are starved for time. We tell ourselves we'd like to read more, get to the gym regularly, try new hobbies, spend more time with our friends and family. But then we hit a wall because there just aren't enough hours to do it all.

There has to be a better way . . . and Laura Vanderkam has found one. In 168 Hours, she explains how to thoughtfully structure our week so that when plans inevitably go wrong or we run out of time, only our lesser priorities will suffer. By using data-backed strategies to get the most out of our days--like streamlining our working hours, filling unexpected blocks of free time, and identifying our core competencies--along with big-picture planning tools like the 168 Hours Log and the List of 100 Dreams, readers will find that 168 hours a week is more than enough time for what's truly important.

Vanderkam shows that with a little examination and prioritizing, we can sleep eight hours a night, exercise five days a week, take piano lessons, or finally write that novel--without giving up quality time for work, family, and the things that really matter.

Review Quotes

"Within a few pages, Laura Vanderkam's crisp, entertaining book convinced me I had time to read it. Then it convinced me I had time to reread War and Peace. In the original Russian. Thank you, Laura, for freeing up my schedule."
-Martha Beck, bestselling author of Steering by Starlight

"We so often live our lives day by day. Laura wants us to think about doing it hour by hour. Living this mantra by example, she gets more done in a day than most of us do in a week."
-Seth Godin, author of Linchpin

"168 Hours is filled with tips and tricks on how you can be more efficient every day. By being more productive at work and home, you'll create more free time to focus on the truly fulfilling activities in your life, rather than the simply mundane."
-Laura Stack, author of Find More Time

"In 168 Hours, Vanderkam packs mounds of real-world case studies and experience to substantiate her system-and I fully agree. You can improve your mastery of time with this invaluable book."
-Dave Crenshaw, author of Invaluable and founder of Invaluable, Inc.

"168 Hours should be an eye-opener for every one of us who leads a busy, hectic life. Reading it made me appreciate how much 'true' amount of time I really have and how to use it wisely and optimally to boost productivity, efficiency, and joy."
-Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness

"Laura Vanderkam shows us how to use our only real wealth-our 168 hours a week- to make our lives richer, not busier. That's a wonderful gift, because it's what genuine success is all about."
-Geoff Colvin, author of Talent Is Overrated

"Laura Vanderkam's fluid style and perceptive eye are just the right tools to help create the life of your intentions. 168 Hours is the antidote to 'living for the weekend.'"
-Marc and Amy Vachon, authors of Equally Shared Parenting

"This book is a reality check that leads any reader to say, 'I do have time for what is important to me.' Full of real life examples, Laura Vanderkam teaches how to pack what matters most into both your work and home life. A must read if you are looking for life-changing strategies to make your next minute, hour or 168 Hours more meaningful."
-Jones Loflin and Todd Musig, Co-authors of Juggling Elephants

"We predict that 168 Hours will fly off the shelves and into the hands of anyone who has ever uttered the words: 'I'm SO busy!' or 'If only I had more time!' Vanderkam's approach is incredibly powerful and resonant given the average American watches 4 hours of television. A day!"
-Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson, Co-Creators of Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE) and Co-Authors of Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It

About the Author

Laura Vanderkam is the author of several time management and productivity books, including What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, I Know How She Does It, and Tranquility by Tuesday. She is the host of the podcast Before Breakfast and co-host of Best of Both Worlds, and her work has appeared in publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Fortune. She lives with her family outside Philadelphia.