We are thrilled to host Laura Vanderkam on Sept 15  to talk about her book 168 Hours.  She helps you to re-examine your weekly allotment of 168 hours, helping you to reorganize and prioritize, so you can dedicate more time to the things you want to do without having to make sacrifices. In addition to expert advice and real interviews, she guides you through what she calls “The 168 Hour Challenge” so you can work with your own schedule.

I’m looking forward to tackling the ‘challenge’ in November once I’m fully back from maternity leave.

It is an interesting time to contemplate this challenge and approach. As a brand new mom, time has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Its value has increased, as has my efficiency, as has of course the number of things I need to do.

15 minutes of down time is a rare luxury. I now know that in the time it takes a bottle to warm I can switch the laundry, unload the dishwasher and maybe wash 2 bottles. Riveting realization, huh?

We have long said that as an entrepreneur your time is your most valuable asset. It is an easy asset to squander given the inherent lack of structure that goes along with working for yourself. There are lots of tips, tricks, methods, and systems that help people establish accountability and better manage their time. Favorite gurus mentioned by our members and clients are Julie Morgenstern and David Allen.  We have spent some time learning from the Behance  approach as well. All are terrific if they gel with your needs and sensibility.

What I love about this approach put forward by Laura is the diagnostic nature. She doesn’t focus on getting “more” time but instead embraces its fixed nature and encourages you to assess how you utilize YOUR 168 hours.

I imagine that the 168 hour challenge will be revealing both personally and professionally and will lend great insight to the reality of my work/life balance.

I look forward to digging in! For 2010 I’ve had a great time experimenting with the Happiness Project {read here, here, and here} and for 2011 I’m excited to embrace the 168 Hour Challenge.

 If you’re interested in attending the event with Laura Vanderkam please send your RSVP to igcrsvp@gmail.com.