Time Management Expert Laura Vanderkam’s 5 Secrets to Regain Control of Your Schedule

How to Stop Feeling ‘Too Busy’ and Start Living with Intention

Laura Vanderkam, bestselling author and host of the Before Breakfast and Best of Both Worlds podcasts, shares five key insights from her new book, Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Fortune.

Vanderkam challenges the idea that you’re “too busy.” Instead, she argues that the secret lies in making your time work for you. By tracking your hours, embracing small steps, and saying yes to what excites you, you can turn everyday life into something more intentional—and far more enjoyable.

Listen to the Audio Version

Hear Laura Vanderkam read an excerpt from Big Time in the Next Big Idea App. The audiobook is also available for purchase.

Laura Vanderkam’s 5 Time Management Insights from Big Time

1. Track Your Time to Boost Happiness

For the past 11 years, Vanderkam has tracked her time using weekly spreadsheets. While she jokes that it might not sound fun, she insists it keeps her accountable and helps solidify memories. She recommends time tracking to anyone looking to improve their time management.

In Big Time, Vanderkam conducted a systematic study: 279 participants tracked their time for a week while answering questions about their time satisfaction. The results were striking—agreement with the statement “Generally I have enough time for the things I want to do” increased by 25% in just one week.

The benefits of time tracking go beyond accountability. Vanderkam explains that seeing where your time really goes helps rewrite your personal narrative. Even if you work long hours, you likely still have moments with family or free time—just not as much as you’d like. Recognizing this can shift your perspective from “I’m always busy” to “I can make small, meaningful changes.”

2. Structure Your Life Like a Well-Run Circus

People often say, “My life is a circus,” implying chaos. Vanderkam disagrees, arguing that a circus is actually a model of precision and organization. Acts are timed perfectly, tricks are executed flawlessly, and mistakes are safely managed with nets.

She suggests applying this mindset to your daily life. Instead of letting your schedule spiral into disarray, treat it like a well-choreographed performance. Small, intentional steps can create a life that feels both productive and enjoyable.

3. Prioritize What Excites You

Vanderkam emphasizes the importance of saying yes to activities that energize you. When you focus on what truly excites you, your time feels more abundant. This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities—instead, it’s about making room for joy within your existing commitments.

4. Embrace Small, Consistent Steps

Big changes don’t require massive overhauls. Vanderkam advocates for breaking goals into tiny, manageable actions. Whether it’s dedicating 10 minutes a day to a project or scheduling short breaks for relaxation, small steps add up to meaningful progress.

5. Redefine ‘Enough’ Time

Society often equates busyness with productivity, but Vanderkam challenges this notion. She argues that “enough” time isn’t about having endless hours—it’s about making the most of the time you have. By tracking and intentionally allocating your hours, you can create a life that feels both fulfilling and balanced.

Why Time Tracking Works

Vanderkam’s research shows that time tracking isn’t just about productivity—it’s about perspective. When you see where your hours go, you gain clarity on what truly matters. This awareness allows you to:

• Cut out time-wasting activities (like excessive YouTube binges).
• Prioritize fulfilling leisure over passive entertainment.
• Recognize that even small pockets of free time can bring joy.

Final Thoughts: Make Time for What Matters

Laura Vanderkam’s Big Time isn’t about doing more—it’s about making the time you have work for you. By tracking your hours, embracing structure, and focusing on what excites you, you can transform a packed schedule into a life filled with purpose and fun.

“What if you’re not actually ‘too busy,’ but just missing the secret to making your time work for you?” — Laura Vanderkam, Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance