Time is the one resource we all have in equal measure—168 hours per week. Yet, how we use it varies dramatically. Some people accomplish incredible things, while others find time slipping through their fingers. This post is a personal reflection on time management, productivity, and making sure every hour counts.
How Much Time Do We Really Have?
If we break it down, the average lifespan is about 4,000 weeks—roughly 80 years. Each week consists of 168 hours. No matter who we are, we all get the same hours per week. The question is: How are we using them?
Like many, I’ve often wondered whether I’m making the most of my time. Am I prioritizing the right things? Am I allocating my time to what truly matters? As I get closer to that 4,000-week milestone, these questions weigh more on my mind.
Where Does My Time Go?
Taking inventory of my time has been eye-opening. Here’s a rough breakdown of how my 168 hours are currently allocated:
- Work – 40 hours
- Sleep – 56 hours (aiming for 8 hours per night)
- Remaining time – 72 hours
That leaves me with 72 hours per week to allocate toward everything else—family, fitness, hobbies, writing, personal development, and more. But am I making the best use of this time?
Prioritization: What Truly Matters?
When I step back and evaluate how I use my discretionary time, I notice areas where I could improve:
✅ Family & Relationships – I recognize that I don’t always prioritize quality time with my wife as much as I should.
✅ Health & Fitness – Fitness isn’t getting as much attention as it should. I can do better.
✅ Writing & Book Projects – I have books in progress but need to dedicate more structured writing sessions.
✅ Lifelong Learning – I’m learning Dutch and researching AI-driven education, but could be more consistent.
✅ Personal Passions – There’s interest but limited follow-through in magic, music, and building a side hustle.
On the flip side, I also see time wasters creeping in. YouTube rabbit holes, distractions, and inefficient habits sometimes steal hours better spent elsewhere.
Strategies to Reclaim Time
To better align my time with my goals, I’ve been exploring strategies to be more intentional about my schedule:
1. Conduct a Time Audit
I’ve started tracking how I actually spend my time. This helps identify wasted hours and opportunities for optimization.
2. Set Clear Priorities
Not everything deserves equal attention. I use a hierarchy of priorities to determine what truly matters and what can wait.
3. Use Time Blocking
Structuring my day in dedicated blocks for key activities—writing, fitness, learning, and downtime—keeps me on track.
4. Eliminate & Automate
What can I stop doing? What can I delegate or automate? AI-powered tools have helped me streamline content creation and research, freeing up hours for higher-value tasks.
5. Create Daily & Weekly Rituals
Having structured morning and evening routines makes a big difference. For example, I set aside time before bed for Dutch lessons and dedicate mornings to deep work.
6. Say No More Often
Time is limited. I’ve learned to say no without guilt if something doesn’t contribute to my goals or personal fulfillment.
Looking Ahead: The 4,000-Week Perspective
At the end of those 4,000 weeks, what will I have accomplished? What will I be proud of? These questions shape how I approach time management.
By being more intentional with my time, I hope to:
- Publish more books on lifelong learning, productivity, and AI-driven education
- Expand my influence as a speaker, consultant, and content creator
- Strengthen my personal relationships
- Prioritize health, fitness, and personal passions
- Continue growing as a lifelong learner
Time is our most valuable currency. The challenge isn’t having enough of it—it’s using it wisely.
Final Thoughts: How Are You Using Your Time?
Take a moment to reflect:
- How are you currently spending your 168 hours per week?
- Are you prioritizing the things that matter most?
- What time-wasters could you cut back on?
- How can you structure your schedule to align with your goals?
Time isn’t infinite, but we do have the power to make the most of what we have. Let’s use it wisely.
🚀 What’s one change you can make this week to reclaim your time? Share in the comments!
Photo by Mat Brown
