One thing I’ve really worked on this year is ‘blocking’ my time to be more productive.
It’s been great because even though it sounds illogical, I’ve been able to do more and I’ve had more free time as well.
Based on many conversations I’ve had with many clients, I know being ‘busy’ or running out of time to do everything is a real problem.
They know they “should” be taking care of themselves… that when they feel healthy they feel better about themselves…that exercise and proper nutrition give them energy to do all the things they want to do.
But finding time to get to their workout every day can be challenging.
So let me help you “find time” in your schedule, so you don’t put off taking care of yourself.
If you’re thinking about something, especially something you need to do, write it down.
Once it’s out of your head, you’re able to focus on the tasks or people in front of you and not on this other thing you should do later.
Chunk your day into blocks of time.
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but if you haven’t, let me share it with you: Don’t try to multitask.
The human brain actually sucks at this. Instead of doing two things at once, it switches back and forth, losing energy, and time spent reacquiring attention, with every switch.
Time chunking could look something like this:
● 15 minutes to confer with your calendar and make sure you know what’s ahead in the day
● 90 minutes on a creative task
● 15 minute break (your brain needs breaks)
● 90 minutes on another creative task
● 30 minute break
● Meetings and appointments as necessary
● 30 minutes replying to email
● 30 to 60 minutes on other small, relatively mindless tasks
● 15 minutes reviewing the day and planning the next day
What those creative tasks are depends on what your daily tasks look like but I think you get the idea. If you identify your most important activities for the week and the tasks that will help you accomplish them every day, knock those off your list first thing.
They are usually the “harder” things to do and take more energy and effort, so do them early in the day before your tank is depleted.
I also recommend setting a timer and turning off all distractions during your 90 minute creative tasks. Also consider using a Pomodoro timer, I’ve used this in the past with success.
Time chunking is a proven system for getting things done, so try it out and tweak the timeframes if necessary if you haven’t used it yet!
Use other people’s time.
If you’re a natural control freak, this may be challenging, but do it anyway.
In fact, the more you empower others to do their job (from colleagues to kids), the more time you will have to yourself and the less stress you will experience. Hire a cleaner if you have to, or an assistant for your business. Your time is valuable; don’t waste it doing things you hate and that don’t help you accomplish your goals.
Celebrate small wins.
Your brain thrives on positive feelings, so create positive feelings of happiness and inspiration by celebrating every little win.
Plan in some daily “nothing” time.
Actually put break times into your calendar and do something that doesn’t require a lot of attention. Taking breaks is just as important as being productive.
Whenever I hear someone say I’ve been studying (or working) for 6 hours straight I think to my self “thats a shame, you wasted most of that being unproductive!”
20-90 minutes of intense focused work, mini break and go again. Longer breaks from time to time to boost productivity.
Be aware that those moments when you’re daydreaming are an indication you are not fully engaged in your task. If you have to, stand up, stretch, walk over to a window, down the hall, or go outside and let your mind wander.
Get on Facebook, play Candy Crush, be 100% unproductive but give your brain a chance to switch off so you can get back to the task with intent.
Use technology if it helps you move faster.
Sometimes technology slows us down because it distracts us from the task at hand. But many times it streamlines a task and makes it more efficient. Figure out where you can use technology to your advantage.
When you start applying some – or all – of these strategies, you’ll begin to feel like you have more time in your life.
And what’s the best way to use that new free time you may ask…By taking care of yourself of course!
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