This article takes you through how time-blocking drives high performance and productivity. Time-Blocking is one of the most effective time-management techniques used by peak performers such as Elon Musk, Cal Newport, and Bill Gates. On the other hand, if time isn’t planned well enough, it tends to be wasted or spent ineffectively.
Stay Motivated – Time-Blocking Drives High Performance and Productivity
What happens when we push our brain at work to keep thinking, focusing and creating hour after hour? It shuts down or goes on strike. Your brain says “I’m outa here, buddy.” This is especially true when we keep requiring it to focus on the same task for hours at a time every workday. Studying Neuroscience now reveals to us the benefits of changing tasks regularly. Taking consistent breaks and time-blocking our time keeps our brain more engaged. We are more motivated when we are working so that we actually get more done in less time. That’s how time-blocking drives high performance and productivity.
Productive Powerhouse
So, let’s look closer at how time-blocking drives high performance and productivity.
This is not a new concept. But it’s one we don’t use often enough to maintain our enthusiasm and focus. Nor do we recognize that time-blocking boosts our mental and emotional health. Blocking time is a tool where you schedule your work hours in a way that sets up a dedicated time to a particular task. And then, when that time is up, you switch to a new task.
But you may ask, how time-blocking drives high performance and productivity?
- Keeps your brain from getting bored (aka, low motivation)
- Mentally prepares you for the tasks ahead
- Lowers stress because you see work getting done
- You ensures no multitasking occurs
- Improves self-confidence in your ability to succeed
Time-Blocking – Tips to Start Using it Today
So, how should you go about blocking your time? Usually, it’s recommended to work in 2-3 hour work chunks at a time, while allowing a short 5-10 minute break every 30-45 minutes.
- Decide how you will block your time. There are many ways to do this, including various apps and email calendars. Google Calendar is a great way to get started because it’s easy to use and readily available.
- Choose the date and time for your task. Remember to keep it to 2-3 hours, if possible
- Decide where you will complete the task.
- Include any details you need to remember before performing the task in the memo area. This will make it faster to get started when you get to that time block. No searching for the sticky note you wrote the directions on.
- Set reminders so you know when it’s time to switch tasks. You can get a reminder via email, pop-up or app notifications.
Time-Blocking – Take Charge of Your Workday
Using time blocks you keep your motivation high for all the reasons stated above. Also because you use several of your skill sets each day. It breaks up the monotony of doing the same task all day long for the entire workday.