How Using Time Blocks Can Help Build a Better Workday
New perspectives and new ways to approach your work.
Productivity doesn’t happen overnight. More, it’s something that comes with practice and discipline over time.
In the never-ending quest for perfect productivity and work-life balance hacks, I’ve tried a fair number of strategies. The idea behind becoming more productive is to get work done and get paid for that work but not burn me out with overwork.
I’ve been down that road. It’s not fun. And I have a family I enjoy being with.
One approach to productivity that’s managed to work well for me this past year has been working in blocks. While my wife’s job requires her to work a straight 8 hours, the flexibility inherent in freelance life allows me to try different approaches — such as breaking down my work into shorter sessions throughout the day.
There are two time block options I like to use that may work for you. Of course, a lot depends on the type of work you do.
The Two-Hour Block
Consider the daily two-hour block.
Wait, what? Does this mean you only work for two hours in a single day?
Kind of.
Take your day and reserve two hours in which you are guaranteed not to have a single distraction or interruption. Then, take up a pre-determined task that you feel strongly about and that you think you can keep your attention solely on for the entire 120 minutes. Make the task a part of an important goal, if that helps.
In that two-hour block, seek to get into a flow state where you are entirely in the zone. It may take a little practice and trial and error, but once you manage to reliably find that flow state zone, you’ll see how effective being completely attuned to what you’re doing can be.
To make this strategy work at its best, it requires some prep time beforehand:
- You have to know what you’re working on.
- You need to have your resources and materials on hand.
- You need to have already gone to the bathroom.
Take an hour or half an hour to prepare, then engage in two hours of intensely focused work.
You may be pleasantly surprised to discover a more productive day than you expected.
The Mini-Block Approach
I’m getting out of a year in which I’ve had my wife and child home a lot more during the day and the distractions that come with it. While I’ve occasionally managed to try the above approach, when you need to be more flexible, then the mini-block process might be best for you.
The idea here is to work in small chunks throughout the day. I tend to do this in roughly one-hour blocks — give or take 15 minutes. Then I take a break and do something else. It might be another task on my to-do list. It might be a household chore or family activity.
On a good day, I can get in five or six good hour chunks during the day while, at the same time, being able to take care of chores and interact with my family.
It helps that I have a clear list of tasks and goals prepared at the start of my day. As most of my work is in freelance writing, I try to line up my research materials and document templates up in advance. It helps me hit the ground running, so to speak, whenever I begin a new hour block of work time.
A benefit of the mini-block is that I’m less likely to get bored, tired, or distracted from a task, and the break allows me to refresh myself both physically and mentally. I often find if I take a break between composing and editing, I come out with much stronger written pieces.
Depending on what I have going on, work-wise, I may work on the same type of task throughout the day — broken up into chunks — or jump around among several different types of tasks. You might like to plan ahead. I used to. Now I tend to “go with my gut” more.
It seems to work well for me.
Don’t let the breaks between chunks of time go to waste. Sure, you could watch some TV or something, but you may be better off getting some exercise, taking care of a household chore, or taking the dog for a walk.
Get the blood pumping. It helps. Honest.
New Perspectives On Work
Look, work has changed a lot this past year.
For everybody.
This is a great time to reevaluate the usual way we view work — both freelance and traditional — and see if it can’t be remolded into something better. Into something that promotes a healthier work-life balance.
If it doesn’t work for you, that’s fine. If the traditional structure of work is what makes you most productive, and you’re happy, then by all means — go for it.
If you’re looking for something that works better for you, then go ahead and try different approaches. The time block method is but one of many.
Paired with some sensible planning, the time block method could be just what you’re looking for.
Good luck.
Cheers!
Thank you for reading. I’d love to share more with you via my Bi-Weekly Word Roundup newsletter sent to subscribers every other Sunday. It will feature news, productivity tips, life hacks, and links to top stories making the rounds on the Internet. You can unsubscribe at any time.