So, how do you take control of your schedule and really get things done?
This is where time-blocking aka time-chunking comes in.
Time blocking can help us achieve that.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
And, the easiest and most effective way to do that is through “time blocking.”
You’re essentially setting aside specific blocks of time to complete important tasks or projects.
Time blocking alsoimproves focusand detersprocrastination.
And, at the end of the day, you will feel like you actually accomplished something.
But research shows that only about 2.5% of people are able to multitask effectively.
The rest of the population onlybelievesthey are multitasking effectively.
Likewise, switching quickly between two projects also can impact the results.
What this means is that the more we multitask, the less we are able to accomplish.
The reason is simple.
We are losing our ability tofocus, which means projects take longer than they should.
Here is an overview of how you’re able to incorporate time blocking into your life.
List all your work projects, your family commitments, and even your exercise goals.
Usually, this task is done on a Friday after work or on aSunday eveningbefore the workweek begins.
take a stab at limit it to about two to three things per day.
The goal is that you will give your most important tasks the prime slots in your time-blocking schedule.
You also may need to develop a different blueprint for the weekend.
Other people have a very structuredwork environmentand can use the same blueprint week after week.
Do what works for you.
You are in control of your schedule and can adapt and change it to fit your needs and priorities.
Start with your top priorities and go from there.
Then, on Wednesday plan another hour to proof it, make changes, and finalize it.
Protect Your Time
when you land your schedule completed, protect your time as best you might.
Of course, unexpected things will come up and you will need to be flexible.
But resist the urge to give up your priority project time for something that can wait.
Communicate to co-workersand family members when you will be unavailable.
Then, treat those blocks of time as if you were meeting with a very important client.
No one would think to interrupt you during a meeting.
Likewise, the goal is that you are not interrupted during your protected priority project time.
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