In the video below, I walk you through how I use my TACTiLED Planner for time blocking a typical day. I really like this customized planner because there is no one way to use it. I am not locked into a single template (aside from the hours of the day – which can be easier to accept when planning with a physical board than when planning in my head).
I never set out to design a board for time-blocking. In fact, I just came across “time blocking” as a concept last week when building this website and exploring videos to see how other people think about day planning. And when I thought about it, it seemed like exactly what I had been doing with the colored time and white task tiles. You can find some great time-blocking tips here.
Time management is not a strength of mine (if you struggle with ADHD, you will understand). In my ADHD brain, tasks are infinite – if they are difficult or boring, they can take forever, which is often why I find it hard to start on those types of tasks. On the other hand, time is finite, so finite that I have joked most of my life about figuring out how to make more time in the day. That’s probably why this approach works for me. I simply can’t put more time into the day, so I am forced to prioritize. But also, I can see that the “hard” stuff will be limited to a small window of time, making it much less intimidating.
Here is my first video ever made explaining how I use the board.
I learned recently that Elon Musk time blocks in 5-minute increments. That made me feel better about my initial attempt to create 15-minute tiles. The issue here is they got very small, leaving me with the option to make my board. At 20 inches minimum, that didn’t seem like a great option. The other challenge there is planning takes time, and it’s well worth it, but it’s a bit like the law of diminishing returns for me. Thirty-minute blocks seemed to be the magic number in terms of maintaining daily planning for weeks and now months.
Did you know Benjamin Franklin used Time Blocking?
When researching day planning methods, I came across all kinds of greats that use the general idea of time blocking to plan their day.
Even Benjamin Franklin Used Time Blocking!
In this example video, I start the day with one plan, and blocks that don’t get used as planned are moved to an area of the board called “bumped.” In place of the block that was not used, I put a black tile identifying what was done instead. The great thing about this is that I end my day with a completed board regardless of what changed. I also learned a ton just from doing that for one day.
To manage larger projects and workloads, creating monthly block schedule templates can help you schedule time effectively. These templates often include components like to-do lists and goal-setting to enhance time management and productivity.
What I learned is that meetings always run long, and proposals always take more time than anticipated. Even though I could have told you that, this presented me with the option to plan accordingly, change my working style (e.g. hard stop meetings) or change my board frequently. I started adding a 30-minute buffer at the end of each meeting, and the problem was solved. With so many competing priorities, TACTiLED frees me up to focus on one thing at a time and feel successful when I do (vs. unsuccessful when I don’t complete all the tasks I’d hoped to). It’s a little bit like I’m my own ADHD coach or accountability buddy.
Understanding Time Blocking
Time blocking is a powerful time management technique that involves scheduling fixed, uninterrupted blocks of time for specific tasks. This method helps you create a clear overview of your daily schedule, making it easier to prioritize and manage your time effectively. By dedicating specific time slots to different tasks, you can minimize distractions and increase productivity. Imagine having a well-organized day where each task has its own dedicated time block, allowing you to focus fully on one thing at a time. This approach not only helps you stay on track but also ensures that you make the most out of your time.
Benefits of Time Blocking
Time blocking offers numerous benefits that can transform your daily life:
- Improved productivity: By focusing on a single task during a set time block, you can complete tasks more efficiently and effectively.
- Reduced distractions: Time blocking helps you avoid multitasking and minimize distractions, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand.
- Enhanced prioritization: This technique forces you to prioritize tasks and allocate time accordingly, ensuring that important tasks are completed on time.
- Better time estimation: Time blocking helps you estimate the time required for tasks more accurately, reducing the likelihood of under or overestimating the time needed.
- Increased flexibility: It allows you to schedule breaks and self-care activities, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
By incorporating time blocking into your daily planning, you can stay focused, manage your time better, and achieve your goals more effectively.
Visual Time Management Techniques
Benefits of Time Blocking
Time blocking can significantly improve our daily lives by providing a structured approach to managing tasks and enhancing productivity. Everything feels more real when I can “see” time and hold the 60-minute tile in my hand. When I can see how many open windows I have to decide how to use them, I am forced to be more realistic with my time management.
- Increased Focus: By allocating specific time slots for tasks, you can minimize distractions and maintain a higher level of concentration. This structured approach also facilitates personal growth by helping you manage tasks effectively and achieve your goals.
- Better Time Management: Time blocking helps you to allocate your time more efficiently, ensuring that you dedicate appropriate time to each task.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing exactly what you need to do and when can alleviate the anxiety of an overwhelming to-do list.
If you want to see a quick clip of the tiles and the real board (to get a feel for the quality), check out my About page. Or check out the shop to order your own TACTiLED Planning Set.
Creating a Time Blocking Template
To create an effective time block schedule, start by identifying the tasks you need to complete and the time you have available.
- List Your Tasks: Begin with a comprehensive to-do list of all the tasks you need to accomplish. This will help you prioritize and allocate time blocks effectively.
- Categorize Your To Do’s: Group similar tasks together to streamline your workflow and make the most of your time.
- Allocate Time Blocks: Assign specific time intervals for each task, ensuring you have enough time to complete them without feeling rushed.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your schedule and make adjustments as needed to stay on track. Incorporate time tracking to accurately estimate the time required for tasks and maintain discipline.
By following these steps, you can create a time blocking template that enhances your productivity and helps you manage your time more effectively.
Creating a Time Blocking Template
Creating a time blocking template is a straightforward process that can help you organize all the tasks in your daily life. Here’s how to get started:
- Identify your tasks: Start by listing all the tasks you need to complete, including work tasks, personal tasks, and self-care activities.
- Prioritize tasks: Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. This will help you allocate your time blocks more effectively.
- Allocate time blocks: Allocate specific time slots for each task, considering the task’s duration and your energy levels throughout the day.
- Schedule breaks: Don’t forget to schedule regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
- Review and adjust: Regularly review your time blocking template and adjust as needed to ensure it remains effective.
By following these steps, you can create a time blocking template that helps you stay organized and make the most out of your time.
Managing Distractions and Interruptions
Managing distractions and interruptions is crucial to making the most out of your time blocks. Here are some tips to help you stay focused:
- Minimize notifications: Turn off notifications during your time blocks to avoid distractions from emails, messages, and social media.
- Create a conducive environment: Set up a quiet and comfortable workspace that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions.
- Communicate with others: Let your colleagues, family, and friends know about your time blocking schedule to minimize interruptions during your focused work periods.
- Use technology to your advantage: Utilize tools like website blockers and productivity apps to help you stay focused and on track.
By implementing these strategies, you can create an environment that supports your time blocking efforts and helps you stay focused on your tasks.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Time blocking is not without its challenges, but with the right strategies, you can overcome them. Here are some common challenges and tips to tackle them:
- Procrastination: Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and allocate specific time blocks for each chunk. This makes tasks feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
- Overcommitting: Be realistic about your capacity and avoid overcommitting yourself. It’s better to have a few well-executed tasks than many incomplete ones.
- Distractions: Use the tips mentioned earlier to minimize distractions and stay focused during your time blocks.
- Burnout: Schedule regular breaks and self-care activities to avoid burnout. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining productivity.
By understanding time blocking, creating a time blocking template, managing distractions and interruptions, and overcoming common challenges, you can harness the power of time blocking to boost your productivity, achieve your goals, and enjoy a better work-life balance.
Visual Time Management
If you want to see a quick clip of the tiles and the real board (to get a feel for the quality), check out my About page. Or check out the shop to order your own TACTiLED Planning Set.
