# How to gain control of your free time

> TED talk by Laura Vanderkam on prioritizing what matters in 168 hours.

This 12-minute TED talk by Laura Vanderkam explores how busy individuals can reframe their relationship with time. Drawing on time-log studies, she argues that time is elastic and stretches to accommodate priorities rather than by finding spare minutes. The talk provides practical frameworks to identify personal priorities and schedule them intentionally into each week.

Website: https://ted.com/talks/laura_vanderkam_how_to_gain_control_of_your_free_time

## What it is for

- Reframe personal mindset around busy schedules and lack of free time
- Audit weekly time allocation across 168 hours to spot wasted time
- Prioritize personal and career goals by treating them as non-negotiable emergencies

## Features

- Reframing time management around priorities rather than minute-saving hacks
- Analysis of 168-hour weekly time logs from busy individuals
- Strategies to treat priorities like urgent home repairs that get immediate attention
- Guidance on creating structured 3-part priority lists across career, relationships, and self
- Time-tracking exercises to identify true availability versus perceived commitments

## Pricing

Free to watch on TED and YouTube

## Details

- Type: Article or course
- Category: [Productivity](https://xiry.app/topics/productivity.md)
- Open source: no
- Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
- For: Professionals and busy individuals looking to improve their work-life balance and time management.
- Tags: ted talk, productivity, time management, work life balance, habits

## Why it was saved

- [@shivanginarula.in, 21 October 2024](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBZRZ6ktrDC/): Provides practical mindset shifts to take back control of your schedule and make time for personal priorities.

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Updated 3 October 2026. Page: https://xiry.app/resources/how-to-gain-control-of-your-free-time

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