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Getting The Most Out Of The Resources You Have

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Did you know that Bill Gates and Elon musk have high levels of productivity and are able to make the most of every minute of the day?

How do they do it?

Time blocking…

If you don’t know what that is, then you definitely need to read on.

Let’s take a look at all the benefits and some steps you can take to make your day a lot more productive.

What exactly is time blocking

Time blocking is a planning method that divides your day into smaller blocks of time. 

The process is really simple. During each block of time, you focus on a single task or a group of similar tasks. 

Instead of having a list of tasks that need to be completed, you are time blocking each task into little sections so you know exactly what you need to do and when it needs to be done.

This may sound like a scheduling disaster. But when you’ve divided your time into time blocks, it keeps you task-focused and limits the ability of others to interrupt you on your time and keeps you focused.

And get this, instead of following a honey to-do list, time blocking lets you start each day with a schedule of specific tasks to complete. And allows you to stay on track.

Time blocking, why does it work?

Time blocking is proven to work because it allows you to prioritize everything you need to do. You can also review everything on a weekly basis.

Once you’ve figured out your week, adjust your time blocks accordingly for each day. In addition, reviewing everything at the end of your day will ensure that you account for any unfinished business and new tasks that may arise.

time blocking is more effective because it’s built on the premise of single-tasking, unlike multitasking. Multitasking divides our attention and ability to focus.

If you’re like me, have you ever started cleaning in one room and then find something that belongs somewhere else? Next thing you know, you’re starting to clean that room. And so on… This is a cycle that a lot of people find themselves in.

With time blocking, your schedule becomes your touchstone and eliminates the need to decide on what you should focus on. 

If you just focus on one thing at a time for an hour or so, you will find you will get a lot of deep work done and not get distracted by other stuff. It’s a skill you must stick to and try to fight the urge, not to ver off course.

If you find yourself not knowing what to do next, just go to your calendar and see what you put down for certain times of the day. You can always adjust everything if you think something is more important.

Over time, you’ll gain greater levels of productivity by not jumping between tasks and allowing the mind to focus on one type of project. Once you see that you’re actually getting things done, you will never do your tasks sporadically again.

 

Are you wondering if time blocking is right for you?

Some people think that the way they do their tasks (jump from one thing to the next) is saving them time because they are able to get everything done at the same time, (multitasking) but if anything in this list sounds like something you do, then maybe time blocking is the way to go.

  1. Your work life is so busy that you can’t find time to focus on big-picture items like strategy and long-term direction.
  2.  
  3. You’re ruled by meetings and can’t focus on what really matters.
  4.  
  5. You have trouble breaking down and planning out larger tasks.
  6.  
  7. Your job requires you to juggle a lot of different responsibilities, tasks, and projects.

Time blocking is something you can do not only for home life but work life as well. So if you answered yes to any of these questions then maybe give time blocking a shot. 

 

Are you wondering if time blocking is right for you?

Time blocking doesn’t always work for everyone, if your job at work or at home is all about putting out fires, then time blocking might not work for you. 


You can’t schedule emergencies, although it would be nice if you knew what was coming in advance.

 

For example, if you work at a hospital in emerg then you can’t control what tasks you need to do first, Your work needs to be adaptable to the situation at hand.

 

However, time blocking works really well for anybody with a more stable schedule. 

 

You can use time blocking to work more efficiently and get things done, only If you know what you’re going to do each week or even in a day, 

 

Now that you have all the information about time blocking, let look at some ways you need to know to help you get started.

 

Decide what is the most important to you

Are you looking for more time with your kids while trying to stay on schedule?

Do you want more freedom to have some time by yourself?

Once you figure out what is the most important to the least important, then you can put it on your calendar in that order.

 

Create a list

Once you know what is important then you can write it out in the order of importance.

Then you can create that list so you will know what you’re doing every day and every week.

If you’re struggling with creating your own time blocking plan, you could try using a calendar or planner specifically for time blocking.

Computer science professor and author Cal Newport created a planner specifically for time blocking.

The Cal Newport time management planner provides a “daily method for deep work in a distracted world.”

Now you know if time blocking works and if it’s right for you, just make sure not to make mistakes. Don’t forget to include breaks and make sure you take a much-needed lunch break as well.

You will not be very productive if you don’t stay fueled.

Did you find this blog helpful? We would like to hear from you.