Time management philosophy by Laura Vanderkam based on viewing time as a weekly resource of 168 hours, encouraging tracking to understand actual time usage and make intentional choices about priorities.
The 168 Hours Method, developed by author Laura Vanderkam, is a time management philosophy centered on the reality that everyone has exactly 168 hours per week. It emphasizes tracking time to understand actual usage versus perceived usage, then making intentional choices to align time with priorities.
The method challenges the notion that "there's not enough time" by:
Weekly Breakdown:
Those 62 remaining hours represent substantial time for family, hobbies, fitness, relationships, and personal projects.
Process:
Categories to Track:
Key Questions:
Common Discoveries:
Priority-Based Allocation:
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"If you don't plan your life, someone else will plan it for you." Proactively schedule personal priorities before reactive work fills all time.
Math matters: if your time is worth $50/hour, paying someone $20/hour for house cleaning buys you time for higher-value activities.
Weekends and evenings are half of waking hours. The 168-hour view prevents "weekday tunnel vision."
Adequate sleep (56 hours/week) isn't negotiable—it enables effective use of waking hours.
Revealed Time Leaks:
Discovered Opportunities: