How to Use Time Blocking to Get Things Done
Some of the most productive people in the world swear by a technique called time blocking.
Ever heard of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, or Cal Newport?
Yep – all time-blockers. And they’re not doing it because they like coloring in their bullet journals. They’re squeezing every drop of productivity from their days.
Making lists of things to do, and trying desperately to finish them isn’t enough. It doesn’t give your days structure or routine. To-do lists don’t help you focus.
You need to bring in an important element: time.
Tasks need to be associated with time. You have to figure out when a task will get done, and how long it’s going to take.
Time blocking is a method of combining task management and your calendar. You create ‘blocks’ of time in your days and give them tasks to focus on. Every task fits into its own time block, without interrupting anything else.
Here’s how to lock down time blocks:
#1 Make Your Time Blocks Bold
Use vibrant colors or titles.
Your blocked times should scream out at you when you look at your planner so your eyes don’t miss them.
#2 Share These Times with Important People
Having the people who are close to you be familiar with these times ensures that they won’t bother you during them.
This way you can stay focused on your tasks without the added distraction.
#3 Stick With It
Make it a habit.
In order to do this, stick with these blocked times for at least 30 instances.
It will become the flow of your week.