What is Time Blocking?
When I was in high school, I had a friend who made a homework schedule on Sundays. No matter how much work she had, she always got everything done. I was amazed by that system and adopted it all the way through college and graduate school. Instead of letting the day get away from me, or multitasking, I stayed on task. This time management skill is one I use to this day.
In a complex world of apps and time management tools, I’ve found that the simplest techniques can take us the farthest. The technique this friend used, and one that I adopted, is time blocking. It is an effective, easy to use method of organizing my schedule so that no task or work gets left undone. It has made me incredibly productive; I have learned to set a specific amount of time to finish a single task or activity, add it to my calendar and adhere to that schedule. No deviating. No wasting time.
The advantages of time blocking, time management and decluttering are tremendous.
The main advantage of time blocking is the self-discipline it teaches. When you have a block of time to perform a task (job, project, errand, Declutter Deck® card), you know that there are a certain number of minutes to complete it, and then it’s time to move on to the next. No more, no less. The time is blocked off. If you happen to finish your task sooner - that’s great! That extra time can be spent doing something else. Time blocking is a great framework and leaves little time to get distracted by other activities. In a way, the system becomes a precise master of your time that turns your productivity way up!
Keeping a few empty time blocks within the day is also important. How often does your day go according to schedule? Not so often. Issues and unplanned tasks inevitably crop up, and when your schedule is completely full, you may have to cut something out to fit in an urgent need. That’s why it is important to leave a time block or two vacant per morning and afternoon. Having the ability to change your focus, if necessary, keeps you more adaptable and ready for unexpected situations.
Time blocking keeps your priorities in focus.
In all its simplicity, time blocking is a very effective time management tool. You need nothing more than a calendar or sheet of paper to schedule your time blocks, a clock (on your phone, if necessary) to keep you on track, and some patience with yourself while you become more proficient at staying on time and task. The most important aspect of this tool is to be aware of all that you must do, prioritize the most important ones, and group task-specific jobs. It also helps to create time blocks that revolve around similar work. For example, when I have errands to run, I put everything that needs to be mailed, returned, or taken to donation all in my car. When I am ready to go out, everything is there, and I don’t forget anything. It makes my time much more efficient.
Time Blocking and Declutter Decks®
Declutter Deck® cards are typically focused on very specific amounts of time per task or doing a very specific number of things, like, “throw away ten things that are broken.” You may, for example, draw a card that says clean out your junk drawer for thirty minutes; this is essentially time blocking. Time blocking is a very effective way to learn to declutter. By setting a timer for the organizing prompts, or using your phone stopwatch, you keep yourself on track.
Most importantly, with time blocking, you learn to be more efficient with your time. This enables you to get more done than you typically would without using this time management technique. Having a length of time to perform a task reduces your indecisiveness and improves your decision-making skillset. You don’t have forever to decide whether you want to keep your junk drawer odds and ends, which moves you more quickly along the path to completion. It is a great tool to help those with ADHD, as well.
About Life Hack Decks™ and Declutter Decks®
Life Hack Decks™ are powerful micro-prompt motivational cards to make your life easier while reducing stress in your day. These instructional decks simplify ineffective routines and help you go from stuck and overwhelmed to inspired and empowered. Life Hack Decks™ take the stress out of decision-making and motivate you to tackle things you’ve been putting off for years. Our Life Hack Decks™ of 52 cards allow you to focus on the things that bring you joy, happiness, and connection with others rather than lingering in the mundane, anxiety-producing ruts in which we often find ourselves. Try our Declutter Deck® to see how much more you can accomplish in home decluttering.