Time Blocking for Productivity

An overview of time blocking and its benefits. Understand the 'why' behind time blocking and its impact on overall productivity. It connects to goal-setting theory and big-picture understanding.

Strategies for effectively planning your time blocks to maximize productivity and focus.

Put all appointments and obligations you don't control into your calendar. This is fundamental to time blocking effectively, clarifying available time for other tasks.

“Schedule out all those things that have already been decided, or have already been decided for you.”

Make time for your most important tasks, like content creation or client work. Schedule 2 hours (side hustle) or 4 hours (full time) of deep, uninterrupted work. This is the core of time blocking, focusing on high-value activities.

“The whole point of doing all this, is to make time for your most important tasks.”

Plan specific times to check email, messages, and communicate with your team and clients. Consider an 'everything method,' segmented communication, or office hours. Efficient communication reduces distractions and improves focus during builder time.

“Set specific times throughout your day, where you open yourself up to the world.”

Advanced techniques to fine-tune your time blocking for better energy management, focus, and adherence.

Plan for stressful or nerve-racking tasks by not scheduling important tasks before or after them. Consider scheduling administrative time or downtime after stressful events. Acknowledges the impact of energy levels on productivity.

“When you have those stressful activities, you want to make sure that you don't schedule something that's really important right after that activity or try to do something that's really important right before it.”

Leave padding in your time blocks (at least 90 minutes for a 1-hour task) and leave buffers throughout the rest of your time to catch up on things that fall through the cracks. Provides realistic time estimations and manages unexpected events.

“Have padding in your time block.”

Time block with clear goals. Make sure what you're working on directly contributes to your goals and visions. Connects daily activities with overarching objectives and goal setting.

“You don't want to time block without goals, time blocking without goals is like trying to run a marathon blindfolded.”

Use specific playlists for specific types of tasks to help you switch between tasks more easily and get into the zone quicker. Applies principles of classical conditioning to enhance focus and transition between activities.

“I will create specific playlists for specific types of tasks, AKA specific types of time blocks.”