The Mel Robbins Podcast #366 · February 1, 2026 · 1h 5m

How to Take Control of Your Time: 9 Proven Strategies That Work (Even When You Have No Time)

Time management expert Laura Vanderkam shares 9 strategies for taking control of your schedule. Key insight: you have more time than you think — track it to prove it. Emphasizes sleep consistency, strategic planning (Friday afternoon for the coming week), and the difference between urgent and important.

Highlights

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You have more time than you think — track it to prove it

Vanderkam: most people dramatically underestimate their available time. Track your actual time use for a week and the data will surprise you. 168 hours per week is more than enough.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

References

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Tranquility by Tuesday — Laura Vanderkam (2022) — 9 rules for a calmer week

Misc

✧Vanderkam: 168 hours/week — you have more time than you think

✧Plan your week on Friday afternoon, not Monday morning