Ever wondered how successful individuals manage to do it all? How did Sid Savara and Kathryn Beaumont Murphy regain control of their time? How does Theresa Daytner defy the myth of time crunch and what can we learn from Roald Hoffmann's mastery of two different fields? Dive into the exciting narratives of these remarkable people and discover the secret to reclaiming your 168 hours each week!

168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think

Like many people, Laura, the author, once juggled a never-ending to-do list, believing she was perpetually short on time. But then she met Theresa Daytner, a woman who seemed to defy the very notion of the "time crunch." One day in March 2009, Laura found Daytner not at her desk, but hiking along a babbling brook with her brother’s dog. This wasn’t an exception; it was Daytner's norm. Daytner, a successful business owner and mother of six, had mastered the art of balancing work and life in a way that seemed almost mythical.

Daytner runs Daytner Construction Group, a seven-figure company, while also being a devoted mom. She engages in activities many people dream about but claim they don't have time for—like reading novels, getting massages, and planning elaborate parties. When she met President Obama, he was floored by her schedule and asked, "When do you sleep?" The answer was that she did, and for a solid seven hours each night.

The narrative of the time crunch tells us that we’re overworked and sleep-deprived, but studies like the American Time Use Survey reveal a different story. On average, Americans sleep about eight hours a night and work less than they claim. Even parents find ways to carve out time for meaningful activities despite busy schedules.

Many people underestimate their leisure time and overestimate their work hours. John Robinson's research showed that people claiming 70-hour work weeks were often working closer to 55 hours. This discrepancy points to a fundamental issue: we don't really know how we spend our time.

Theresa Daytner’s secret lies in viewing each minute as a choice. She focuses on what she does best—nurturing her business, her family, and herself—and outsources or minimizes everything else. This approach can be liberating. Imagine starting with a blank slate of 168 hours each week. If you sleep for 56 hours and work for 40, you still have 72 hours left for other pursuits.

Try these Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Time:
1. Time Logging: Keep a detailed log of your activities for a week. This will help you understand where your time goes and identify areas for improvement.
2. Identify Core Competencies: Focus on activities that bring you the most satisfaction and delegate or eliminate the rest.
3. Prioritize Meaningful Activities: Allocate time for things that matter most to you, whether it’s family, exercise, or personal hobbies.

Consider Michael Schidlowsky, a Google engineer, who found he had more free time than he thought even while training for an Ironman Triathlon. By treating his 168 hours as a blank slate, he was able to balance work, exercise, teaching, and personal time effectively.

Daytner’s story and the data from time-use studies highlight that we all have the same 168 hours each week. By viewing time as a precious resource and making conscious choices, we can fill our lives with more meaningful activities and break free from the myth of the time crunch.

Start by keeping a time log. Analyze how you spend your hours and make deliberate choices to align your time with your priorities. Remember, you have more time than you think. Use it wisely to create the life you want.

Can You Really Reclaim Your Life from the Time Crunch Myth?

Roald Hoffmann’s life is a testament to the power of keen observation and resilience. Born in 1937 near the Poland-Soviet Union border, Hoffmann, a Jewish child, survived World War Two by hiding in a Ukrainian schoolhouse attic with his mother. His experience as a watcher of the world around him became a lifelong trait.

After the war, Hoffmann’s family settled in New York City where he excelled in science at Stuyvesant High School and Columbia University. Although pressured to become a doctor, Hoffmann found his passion in chemistry, earning his PhD from Harvard under future Nobel laureate William N. Lipscomb, Jr. His most significant scientific contribution, the Woodward-Hoffmann rules, earned him a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981.

However, Hoffmann’s story doesn’t end with his Nobel Prize. He continued to channel his observational skills into poetry, writing about science, his wartime experiences, and everyday life. He even attended artist retreats to hone his craft, proving that dedication can transcend disciplines.

The concept of "core competencies," introduced by Gary Hamel and C.K. Prahalad in the Harvard Business Review, explains Hoffmann’s success. By focusing on what he did best—patient observation—Hoffmann excelled in both chemistry and poetry. This idea can be applied to our own lives: identifying and focusing on our core strengths can lead to fulfillment and success.

To discover your core competencies, consider the "List of 100 Dreams" exercise recommended by career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine. This involves listing 100 things you’d like to accomplish in your life, which can reveal your true passions and strengths.

Take the inspiring story of Jackie Camborde: once an overweight smoker, she discovered a love for group fitness, lost over seventy pounds, and eventually opened her own fitness studio. By focusing on her newfound core competency, she transformed her life and career.

Analyzing how you spend your time, as suggested by the American Time Use Survey, can also help. Break down your daily activities, identify what energizes you, and eliminate or outsource tasks that don’t align with your strengths.

Hoffmann’s life teaches us that by leveraging our core competencies and remaining open to new experiences, we can lead meaningful and successful lives. Whether it’s through science, art, or any other passion, focusing on what we do best can help us build the lives we want.

From Chemistry to Poetry: The Power of Core Competencies in Roald Hoffmann's Nobel Journey

In 1998, Laura interviewed the marine biologist Sylvia Earle, who was 60 feet underwater near Florida. Earle, an explorer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society, was studying coral reefs from Aquarius, an underwater base. 

During their chat, she vividly described the underwater world around her, from barracudas to clouds of small fish, and her joy was palpable. Despite being sixty-two, an age when many retire, Earle’s passion for her work shone through, a passion that began when a wave knocked her down at age three. She has spent over 7,000 hours underwater, driven by an "urge to submerge."

Earle’s enthusiasm made Laura reflect on her own career choices. Earle's story, alongside her work on ocean conservation and her fight against sexism while raising three children, highlighted an important message: when one loves their work, it becomes a source of joy, not just a job. This is why finding the right job can significantly impact one's overall life happiness and productivity.

In 2009, at seventy-three, Earle was still actively exploring, writing, and campaigning for marine sanctuaries. Her energy and zest for life were a testament to the idea that loving your work can fuel your entire life. This contrasts sharply with the views of Tim Ferriss in "The 4-Hour Workweek," where he suggests the perfect job is the one that takes the least time. However, Laura believes, like Earle, that finding work one loves can lead to a fulfilling life.

Studies support this. For instance, Teresa Amabile’s research on creativity found that intrinsic motivation—loving the substance of your work—leads to higher performance and satisfaction. Similarly, Mihály Csíkszentmihályi’s concept of "flow" describes the state of deep absorption in tasks that are challenging but achievable, which is key to happiness.

The business case for being in the right job is clear: happy people are more productive and creative. For instance, Joe Kennedy, CEO of Pandora, found joy in thinking about his job even in the shower. This kind of engagement is crucial in a competitive world where continuous improvement is necessary.

Creating the right job often involves an entrepreneurial mindset, even within existing organizations. For example, Kraig Derstler, a paleontology professor, shifted his focus from echinoderms to dinosaurs by self-funding his research through a program that allowed laypeople to join his digs. This entrepreneurial approach helped him secure tenure and align his work with his passions.

Self-employment is another route many take to create their dream jobs. Marc Matsumoto, after losing his job, turned his passion for cooking into a successful food blog, NoRecipes.com. Similarly, Julie Pickens and Mindee Doney created Boogie Wipes, combining their love for consumer goods marketing with the flexibility to manage their family lives.

Reflecting on whether you’re in the right job involves asking if your work taps into intrinsic motivations, offers autonomy, challenges you appropriately, and supports your best work. If the answer is no, consider what changes you can make within your organization or if you need to step out on your own.

Ultimately, the goal is to find work that, even if offered a windfall to quit, would make you pause. This is the essence of being in the right job, as it brings both professional satisfaction and personal joy.

Can Loving Your Job Fuel Your Entire Life? A Deep Dive With Marine Biologist Sylvia Earle

Making the most of your 168 hours is essential for building a fulfilling career and personal life. John Anner, a remarkable example, juggled being a father and motorcycle racer while founding the Independent Press Association (IPA) in 1996. With a modest budget, he grew IPA into a multimillion-dollar organization helping hundreds of independent magazines. 

Later, as head of the East Meets West Foundation (EMW), he focused on impactful areas: clean water, medical treatment, and education. Notably, EMW’s Breath of Life program reduced Vietnam’s infant mortality rate significantly by deploying CPAP machines for premature babies.

Anner’s success wasn’t just in his projects but also in his efficient use of time. EMW’s employees leave work on time and meetings are strictly limited to an hour, with only essential attendees. This efficiency gave Anner an extra ten hours per week, allowing space for personal rejuvenation.

Effective time management isn’t exclusive to nonprofits. It applies to all careers. By focusing on core competencies and eliminating unnecessary tasks, anyone can boost productivity. For instance, Laura found significant progress on her book after a 90-minute nap, a break that led to fresh ideas.

Productivity varies by job type. For example, scientists like Carol Fassbinder-Orth focus on impactful research rather than busywork, achieving tenure-track positions while balancing personal lives.

To control your calendar, seize control of your schedule, distinguish between actual work and busywork, eliminate non-core tasks, and improve your skills. Trista Harris, for instance, uses short, focused meetings and blocks time for strategic thinking to manage her foundation effectively.

Lastly, always aim to get better at what you do. Whether it’s reading, practicing, or seeking feedback, continuous improvement in your craft can free up time and lead to greater accomplishments.

Ask yourself:
1. What professional goals do I want to achieve this year?
2. What steps and how many hours will these goals require?
3. How many hours can I work weekly, and are my goals feasible within this timeframe?
4. What tasks can I ignore, minimize, or outsource?
5. How can I get better at my craft?

By focusing on these principles, you can transform how you use your 168 hours, aligning your work with your life’s goals.

Mastering Time Management: Lessons from John Anner and Other Successful Leaders

Leah Ingram's career breakthrough might seem like a stroke of luck at first glance, but there's much more to it. A few years back, Leah and her family moved to their dream house in New Hope, Pennsylvania, only to face higher-than-expected living costs. To cope, Leah began blogging about frugal living—doing laundry in cold water, using library cards, and shopping at thrift stores.

In the fall of 2008, BusinessWeek featured her in a story about frugality, leading to a book deal for "Suddenly Frugal." But this wasn't just luck; Leah was strategic. Disenchanted with writing about weddings, she pivoted to frugality, a topic close to her heart. She blogged diligently five days a week, met a big-shot agent, and despite initial rejections, persevered.

Her persistence paid off as the economic downturn made frugality a hot topic. She landed interviews, and endorsements, and eventually a book deal with Adams Media. Leah's story exemplifies the importance of preparation, networking, and timing in achieving a career breakthrough.

Here are Seven Key Lessons for Career Breakthroughs:
1. Know the Next Level: Leah knew she wanted to be a frugality expert and aimed for a book deal.
2. Metrics and Gatekeepers: She understood the need for an agent, a solid book proposal, and a strong business case.
3. Work to the Point of Diminishing Returns: Leah balanced her blog with other paying assignments, proving that a breakthrough doesn't require becoming a hermit.

4. Spin a Good Story: Leah’s narrative of frugality resonated with audiences and publishers.
5. Be Open to Possibilities: Leah responded to opportunities like the *BusinessWeek* feature and leveraged them.
6. Plan for Opportunities: She was always ready to seize the moment, whether it was pitching her blog to reporters or reworking her book proposal.
7. Ride the Wave: After achieving her breakthrough, Leah continued to build on her success without compromising her personal life.

Leah's journey illustrates that you can achieve career breakthroughs without sacrificing a balanced life. She managed her time effectively, worked on projects she was passionate about, and stayed open to opportunities. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and the ability to make the most of every chance that comes your way. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, starting a business, or breaking into a new field, Leah's story offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate your path to success.

Can Frugality Lead to Fame? Leah Ingram's Unexpected Path to Career Breakthrough!

Walking down the cleaning supplies aisle, you might encounter Mrs. Meyer, a friendly face on sleek bottles of Lemon Verbena cleaner. Mrs. Meyer, or Thelma Meyer, isn't just a marketing gimmick; she's a real person who managed a bustling household of nine children in 1965 Iowa. Despite the rigorous housework, she recalls her approach as practical rather than obsessive, highlighting a contrast with today’s more relaxed standards.

In the 1950s and 1960s, women like Mrs. Meyer dedicated significant time to household chores—cleaning Venetian blinds in bathtubs and following elaborate recipes like the 2-day "End-of-the-Rainbow Cake" from Good Housekeeping. However, modern times have seen a drastic shift. Women are now spending far more time in the workforce and less on housework.

Research from the University of Maryland and the American Time Use Survey reveals striking changes. In 1965, married mothers spent 34.5 hours weekly on household tasks. By 2008, that number had dropped to about 16-17 hours. This decline in housework has paralleled an increase in paid work and more time spent on childcare. Today’s parents also engage more with their children than those in the mid-20th century.

The concept of the "new home economics" emerges here. As parents spend more time in the labor force, they’ve learned to prioritize core competencies—activities that provide the most value and joy, like reading bedtime stories or engaging in meaningful conversations. For example, James Andersen, a private equity manager, reads classic literature with his sons, fostering deep connections and shared adventures.

This new approach isn't just about cutting back on housework; it's about reallocating time to what truly matters. Many parents now use split shifts, working after the kids' bedtime to free up evening family time. The Chumley family, for instance, navigates life's challenges by making the most of their time together, balancing work, childcare, and personal interests.

Marriage quality also plays a crucial role in this new economic landscape. Empress Maria Theresa, ruling a 20-million-strong empire while caring for 16 children, exemplifies how a supportive partnership can amplify one's capacity to manage both family and professional responsibilities. Similarly, Cheryl and Doug Chumley, despite facing significant health challenges, maintain a strong marriage by investing time in each other.

The shift in housekeeping standards reflects broader societal changes. While fewer women bake intricate cakes or iron electric blankets, many have embraced luxury cleaning products as a nostalgic hobby rather than a necessity. This evolution shows how far we’ve come from the days when housework dominated women's lives.

Ultimately, the new home economics encourages parents to focus on their core competencies—nurturing their children, maintaining strong partnerships, and spending time meaningfully. By strategically allocating their 168 hours each week, modern families can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life without succumbing to the pressures of past generations.

From Mrs. Meyer to Modern Mothers: The Evolution of Home Economics and Parenting Standards

Sid Savara, a software developer in Honolulu, discovered a surprising drain on his time – cooking. Despite not aiming for gourmet meals, he found himself spending up to 15 hours a week on food-related tasks. Feeling burned out from balancing his job, exercise, and launching a rock band, Savara decided to track his time meticulously. He realized he was sacrificing valuable post-work relaxation and fun to shop, cook, and clean.

Savara turned to Craigslist, hoping to find someone to cook for him. To his surprise, he received numerous responses. After sifting through the offers, he hired a mom turned personal chef who now prepares 12-15 meals a week for him at $60 plus groceries. This arrangement not only saved him 10 hours weekly but also reduced his impulsive spending on unnecessary items. This success led him to outsource his laundry too, freeing up more time for his passions.

Savara's experience is a testament to the value of outsourcing non-core tasks to reclaim one's time. This idea aligns with the core-competency principle, which suggests focusing on what you do best and outsourcing the rest. It's a concept businesses use to enhance efficiency and individuals can apply to personal life management.

Similarly, Sarah Wagner, a stay-at-home mom, outsourced her laundry to reclaim precious time with her family.

These stories underline a crucial point: household chores have an opportunity cost. Outsourcing them can lead to significant time savings, allowing individuals to focus on activities they love and excel in. While some may find joy in certain chores, for many, outsourcing can enhance quality of life and productivity. 

In essence, whether it's cooking, laundry, or general household management, identifying tasks that drain your time and finding efficient ways to handle them can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Can Outsourcing Your Household Chores Boost Your Productivity?

A few years ago, The Wall Street Journal published an intriguing piece on how corporate titans, though immaculate in the office, are clueless about casual fashion. At Herbert Allen’s annual Sun Valley gathering, icons like Barry Diller and Rupert Murdoch turned up in mismatched, disheveled attire. This amusing scenario highlights a larger issue: navigating leisure time outside structured work hours.

This dilemma is vividly portrayed in Ann Patchett’s novel "Bel Canto," where high-powered characters, suddenly taken hostage, flounder in an unfamiliar world of free time. Just like these fictional captives, many of us struggle to make the most of our weekends, often defaulting to chores and TV.

However, some people excel at utilizing their leisure creatively. Take Alexi Panos, for instance. Known for her work on Sportsnet New York’s "Beer Money" and her modeling career, Panos also co-founded E.P.I.C., a nonprofit focusing on clean water projects in Tanzania. Her journey began during a concert tour in South Africa, where she witnessed severe poverty and decided to take action. 

Instead of sticking to preconceived notions, she and her friend Tennille Amor conducted field research, discovering that water-borne diseases were the primary issue. They then dedicated themselves to drilling wells, investing their own time and resources.

The takeaway from Panos’s story is that structured leisure time, used wisely, can be incredibly fulfilling. Research supports this, showing that people with planned leisure activities, like exercise, volunteering, or hobbies, lead richer lives. Exercise, in particular, is essential. Experts recommend at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity weekly, which can significantly improve health and well-being.

Weekend planning plays a crucial role too. Instead of letting weekends vanish into errands or TV marathons, proactive planning can make these hours rejuvenating. Consider integrating meaningful activities, like running, volunteering, or creative pursuits, into your schedule. Aligning these activities with family and friends can further enhance their value.

In essence, by treating our leisure time with the same respect we give our professional lives, we can lead fuller, more satisfying lives. Whether it’s through structured activities, meaningful volunteer work, or simply spending time with loved ones, the key is to be deliberate and thoughtful about how we use our precious free time.

Unlocking the Power of Leisure: From Corporate Titans to Philanthropic Warriors

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it often feels like there’s no time for anything beyond the basics—working, sleeping, and feeding the family. Kathryn Murphy, a lawyer and mother, encapsulates this struggle. After switching careers from journalism to law, she found herself juggling a demanding job, a toddler, and a second pregnancy. Feeling overwhelmed and panicked, Murphy sought help to better manage her time.

Murphy kept a time log for a week, revealing a packed schedule filled with work, exercise, and minimal, often rushed, quality time with her daughter. Despite her busy life, she managed to exercise regularly and read extensively, thanks to her broken TV. However, she craved more meaningful moments with her family.

To address her challenges, several strategies were suggested: maintaining her limited TV time, carving out early morning slots for focused daughter time, and trying simple cooking solutions like using a slow cooker. Emphasizing the importance of being present, she was encouraged to use her commute to reflect on her blessings.

Murphy took these suggestions to heart, gradually finding ways to incorporate more quality time with her daughter and husband. She even began enjoying cooking simple meals with her little one, who loved helping out. The key was making small, sustainable changes rather than drastic overhauls.

Brian Brandt, an executive pastor and father of three, faced similar time pressures. Balancing his demanding roles left little room for personal time and connection with his wife. By turning off distractions and dedicating focused time to his wife and kids, Brandt managed to improve his work-life balance. He even found time to read and pray, often using his commute and shower time for these activities.

Andrew Reilley, a single dad and entrepreneur, struggled with the constant interruptions from his children while working from home. By creating concentrated blocks of time for work and dedicated playtime with his kids, he significantly reduced stress and improved both his productivity and his children’s happiness.

Both Brandt and Reilley demonstrated that with thoughtful scheduling and prioritization, it’s possible to find that elusive balance, whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones or finding moments for personal growth.

The overarching lesson from these stories is clear: there is time for anything that truly matters. By logging hours, identifying core competencies, and making conscious choices, anyone can transform their 168 hours into a fulfilling life.

Can Time Management Strategies Improve Your Work-Life Balance?

The key to living a fulfilling life lies in effectively managing the 168 hours we have each week. These hours can be maximized by focusing on the concept of "core competencies," or areas where we excel and derive satisfaction, and by prioritizing meaningful activities. 

It's crucial to accurately track how we spend our time, as people often overestimate their work hours and underestimate their leisure time. The "time crunch" narrative, suggesting that we're overworked and sleep-deprived, is often a myth. 

Outsourcing or minimizing non-essential tasks can also contribute to a balanced lifestyle. This applies to both professional and personal tasks, including household chores which can be outsourced to reclaim valuable time. In our leisure hours, engaging in structured and meaningful activities like exercise, volunteering, or hobbies can lead to a richer life. 

Achieving a career breakthrough requires a strategic approach that includes understanding the next steps, balancing work with other responsibilities, and being open to new opportunities. Additionally, the right job can significantly impact our overall happiness and productivity, with loving the work often being the key to a fulfilling career. 

The modern concept of "new home economics" encourages parents to focus on activities that provide the most value and joy while spending less time on household chores. This approach helps foster strong relationships and meaningful interactions within the family. 

Overall, by treating our time as a precious resource and making conscious choices on how we spend it, we can lead more fulfilling lives.

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168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think

Laura Vanderkam

Ever wondered how successful individuals manage to do it all?

How did Sid Savara and Kathryn Beaumont Murphy regain control of their time?

How does Theresa Daytner defy the myth of time crunch and what can we learn from Roald Hoffmann's mastery of two different fields?

Dive into the exciting narratives of these remarkable people and discover the secret to reclaiming your 168 hours each week!

Key Ideas

#1