How to Time Block (Without the Apps)

The Incrementalist

Do you get overwhelmed by digital task management tools?

Are you seeking a good mix of structure and flexibility in your day?

Is there an easy, stress-free way to block time for important projects?

When you hear the term Time Blocking, you might picture color-coded calendars filled up with specific activities for the week. Digital apps to block time might also come to mind.

But you really don’t need an app or even a planner to time block.

In episode 47 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:

1) More busyness does not lead to higher quality or better results. To align your intentions with your actions, you need to have structure in your day. You also want to have buffers for emergencies and margin for the unexpected.

2) Time blocking is an essential tool to protect time for important projects and tasks. You assign a time block – with a start time and an end time – to focus on a specific activity or a batch of similar activities.

3) The subtle and important difference between time blocking and time boxing.

4) 3 main tips for time blocking

Tip 1: schedule time blocks in 30-minute or 1-hour increments (not in 5-minute increments like Elon Musk)

Tip 2: time block just the day (not the whole week)

Tip 3: incorporate theming and batching in your time blocks (not time blocks for whatever, whenever)

4) You do not need digital apps or even a planner to time block

5) How I time block the easy, stress-free way on a whiteboard.

Check out the new YouTube channel at The Incrementalist - A Productivity Show! If you're visual learner, there is a video on episode 47! Become one of the first 100 subscribers on our YouTube channel!

Intro & Outro Music by:

• Sebastian Brian Mehr: Album – Olemus; Song – La Nieve (hearnow.com)

Check out the book: The Incrementalist, A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps
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Visit website: www.dyanwilliams.com
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