The Myth of Busyness: How to Find Hidden Time for What Matters Most

Revealing the Surprising Truth About Where Your Hours Really Go

Do you ever catch yourself saying, 'I’m just too busy'? You’re not alone. In our always-on world, busyness has become a badge of honor. But what if the real problem isn’t a lack of time, but a lack of awareness? Laura Vanderkam’s '168 Hours' and recent research reveal that most of us overestimate how much we work and underestimate our free time. The result? We miss out on the joy and meaning available in our everyday lives.

Time diary studies show that people who claim to work 60–70 hours a week often log closer to 45–55. The rest of the time is lost in transition: waiting, commuting, responding to emails, or simply forgetting to count the hours spent on TV and social media. These 'hidden hours' add up to entire days each week—time that could be spent on what truly matters.

The first step to breaking the busyness cycle is to track your time. For one week, write down everything you do in 15-minute increments. You’ll likely be surprised by what you find. Maybe you have more control over your mornings than you thought, or you’re spending hours each week on low-impact activities that could be delegated or dropped altogether.

Vanderkam also encourages us to look for 'fake work'—tasks that feel productive but don’t move us closer to our goals. Endless meetings, excessive email, and busywork can fill your days without adding real value. By identifying and eliminating these, you can free up hours for your core competencies, family, and self-care.

But the most profound shift comes from changing your mindset. Instead of seeing time as a scarce resource, view it as an abundant canvas. Each hour is a choice, and small changes—like batching emails, setting meeting limits, or carving out time for a hobby—can have a huge impact over time.

Ultimately, the myth of busyness is just that—a myth. By tracking your time, prioritizing what matters, and letting go of what doesn’t, you can find hidden hours for joy, connection, and growth. The journey starts with a single step: paying attention to your days and daring to believe you have enough time for the life you want.