168 Hours
by Laura Vanderkam
Vanderkam's argument is that everyone has 168 hours a week and most people have no idea where theirs go. She has readers log time for a week, then rebuild it around core competencies at work and home, outsourcing or dropping the rest. It is brisk, data-driven and a little privileged in its examples, and the time log is a revelation for most people.
Read it if…
you say 'I don't have time' often and have never logged a week.
Skip it if…
you work shifts or multiple jobs; the flexibility assumed may not be yours.
Three things you will actually use
- Track a week; the data will surprise you.
- Fill the schedule with priorities first.
- Ignore the myth of the overworked week; most are under sixty hours.
Do this first
Log every half hour for one week in a simple spreadsheet, then look.
Our verdict
Clarifying and brisk; the time log alone is worth it.
Compare with other Time books
Tranquility by Tuesday
Laura Vanderkam · Time
Practical and tested; a sensible set of rules.
CLICK TO SEE
The Joy of Missing Out
Tonya Dalton · Time
Warm and practical; good for the over-scheduled.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Time book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.