Flow Through Your Day: Time Blocking for a Balanced Life
You have a million things pulling you in different directions. From work tasks to parenthood to volunteer or social obligations to exercising and self-care.
The to-do lists and conflicting priorities can feel overwhelming and lead to a scattered feeling.
We are letting you in on a powerful strategy that can transform how you manage your day, leading to increased productivity and a greater sense of control over your time.
As a coach and entreprenuer, I've seen firsthand how this technique can help high-achieving women—and anyone juggling multiple responsibilities—achieve more in less time.
Time Blocking
Time blocking is exactly as it sounds - pre-blocking time for all the different tasks and priorities in your days.
I really started embracing Time Blocking about a year after I left my corporate job to start my own business. And while it sounds so glamorous to be completely in charge of your own schedule, it took some getting used to. There would be days where I would stare at my overwhelming list of business tasks and not even know where to start.
Last year, some girlfriends here in Panama and I started our own Mastermind group. All three of us ran our own businesses and found it isolating in many ways. We started meeting weekly to share our wins and stuck points and would support each other in working through challenges or hurdles and priority setting (It’s actually become one of my most sacred weekly rituals). One of the biggest game changers was when we all started embracing time blocking.
In the last 15 minutes of mastermind, we would each get on our google calendars (or written planners) and put all the action items from mastermind into our google calendar for that week.
So suddenly, our time 3 dozen to-do’s had a clear plan with by-when dates for completion!
Why Time Blocking Works
Time blocking involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities throughout your day. Instead of reacting to tasks as they come up or multitasking, you're proactively deciding in advance how you'll spend your time. This method works because it:
Minimizes Decision Fatigue: By planning your days ahead, you eliminate the need to constantly decide what to do next. This frees up mental energy for more important decisions and creative thinking.
Reduces Distractions: When you dedicate specific blocks of time to certain tasks, you're less likely to be distracted by other things. This focused approach helps you complete tasks more efficiently.
Promotes Deep Work: Time blocking allows for uninterrupted periods of work, often referred to as "deep work," where you can fully immerse yourself in a task without distractions. This leads to higher quality work and greater satisfaction.
Balances Priorities: By allocating time to different areas of your life—work, personal development, family, and self-care—you ensure that you're addressing all aspects of your life, not just your work. This balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being.
How to Get Started with Time Blocking
Identify Your Priorities: Start by listing your important tasks and responsibilities. These might include work projects, meetings, personal time, and even breaks.
Create a Schedule: Use a digital or physical calendar to block out time for each task. Be specific about what you'll work on during each block. For example, instead of just writing "work," you might block out time for "project planning," "client emails," or "content creation." I like to color code my time blocks for a visual indicator of how I’m spending my time.
Stick to Your Blocks: Once you've set your schedule, commit to following it. If something urgent comes up, adjust your blocks, but be careful not to let one task consume your entire day.
Review and Adjust: At the end of the week, review how well your time blocking worked. Did you accomplish what you set out to do? Were there blocks that didn’t work as planned? Use this reflection to adjust your approach for the following week.
Tips for Successful Time Blocking
Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together to maintain momentum. For example, if you have several phone calls to make, block out time to do them all at once.
Include Breaks: Don’t forget to schedule breaks. Time blocking isn’t about working non-stop; it’s about working smarter. Regular breaks help you stay focused and energized.
Be Flexible: Life happens, and your schedule won’t always go as planned. Allow for flexibility, but try to stick to your blocks as much as possible.
Start Small: If time blocking feels overwhelming, start with just one or two blocks per day and gradually build up as you become more comfortable with the process.
Conclusion
Time blocking is more than just a productivity technique; it’s a mindset shift that helps you take control of your time and energy. By planning your days with intention, you can achieve your goals more efficiently and create a healthier work-life balance.
So why not give it a try? Block out some time to plan your next week and see how much more you can achieve when you take control of your calendar.