Tick tock

Colleagues,
 
MVP: Use time blocking and a task timer to increase the productivity of time you invest in your priorities
 
No, not that TikTok – tick tock. As in time.
 
If you can’t get everything done, remember that time management is not the problem. 
​

Begin by managing your priorities.
Once you begin organizing your day around priorities, then time management can be a helpful tool.

There are two prime strategies I use that, when I adhere to them, increase my productivity dramatically:

1. Time blocking
2. Task timer

​​You can read more about time blocking here, which is the source for the powerful image you are looking at.
​

​You can read more about time blocking here, which is the source for the powerful image you are looking at.
 
Time blocking is about organizing around priorities. I have some things I do every day that are blocked in as part of my morning routine.
 
Then I identify three priorities for the day and block time for them. Often, the priorities are already in my calendar because as priorities emerge, I schedule time in the calendar to work on them. 
 
The second piece is using a task timer. I look at the time I have allotted for a task, set my timer for that amount of time and begin working. The task timer helps do two things:

1. It focuses me on the priority.
2. It helps me be very efficient. I don’t have time to check on something else or even to mince my words or do multiple drafts. I just need to dig in. 

 
Disclosures:

• I am not always successful about following through with using both, especially if my mental state isn’t great.
• On the days I implement this fully, I am mentally exhausted. The pressure of the timer can be a bit much for me.

 
Celebrations:

• I am about three times as productive when I combo these strategies.
• I’m better at saying no to things I don’t have time for.
• I work fewer hours.

 
Today’s intention: Think about the way you organize your day and how it impacts your ability to invest time in your priorities.

Cheers!

Frederick