Time blocking can be a bit intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be! I use to be nervous about putting together time blocking for my work, but then realized it was necessary to the success of my business.
First rule of time blocking, things happen and things change, that's okay! The point of time blocking is that if something comes up that throws you day a bit, you can move the time block to another space in your day. As long as you stick to what ever is blocked out, it's okay if it needs to move. Release yourself from the burden of time blocking being permanent or else you won't stick to it.
So how do you get started? Well let's look at the steps I've put together that have helped be create effective time blocking and stick to it!
What is the purpose of creating your schedule/time blocking?
This step is absolutely vital to creating a schedule that works for you. There is no one-size-fits all template that will be effective for everyone. Ask yourself, why do you need time blocking? What is the purpose of this schedule? For me, the answer is, things move and change so much in my industry that I need to make sure I am making time for the things that absolutely need to get done that day and everyday, and that I am making time for me and my family.
What are the MUST get dones?
So now that we know the why, it's time to look at the what. How do you determine the things that absolutely must be done that day and everyday? The formula that I use is 80% of my work time on money generating activities, 20% of time on other activities that must get done. This doesn't mean that I work nonstop on these activities, it means that I am purposeful with when and how much of my time I spend on them.
What do you WANT your day to look like?
This is probably one of the most overlooked steps of timeblocking. You've written down your money making activities and the other must get dones, but then are still not pleased with your day. Well of course! The purpose of time blocking is to create a day that allows you to be successful and in my opinion success is far beyond the work that you get done, but want you get out of your day.
For example, here is a look at my day:
6:00 AM Wake Up, Water, & Gratitute
6:30 AM Coffee & Meditation
7:00 AM Create/Update To Do List & Review Appointments for the Day
7:30 - 8:30 AM Accountability Call
8:30 - 9:00 AM Emails & Follow Up
9:00 - 10:00 AM Lead & Sphere Outreach
10:00 - 10:30 AM Walk Piper
10:30 - 11:30 AM Marketing & Branding
11:30 - 12:30 PM Lunch & Reading
12:30 - 1:00 PM Workout
1:00 - 1:30 PM Shower
2:00 - 3:00 PM Ideation
3:00 - 6:00 PM Family Time
6:00 - 7:00 PM Networking
Above is an example of my daily time blocking. As you can see, there is a healthy mix of work, play, and relaxation. I've found the less pressure I put on myself to be productive for extended periods, the more productive I've become.
So what does this all mean for you? Well, if you take the time to understand what your motivations are and what you want to get from time blocking, the sky is the limit. I highly recommend you read the books below to look at some different mindset shifts that will help point you in the direction you want to go. What questions do you have about creating your perfect day? Let me know! :) Xx, Taylor
