I was a time blocking hater just three years ago…
So I completely understand if you’re rolling your eyes thinking, “Here’s yet ANOTHER game-changing activity to add to the list.” But I promise you, time blocking is no Pinocchio. It’s a real, effective tool worthy of your time and attention (no shade on Mr. Long Nose).
If you’ve never heard of time blocking, it’s the process of taking your schedule and breaking it into smaller chunks of time, then assigning a focus to each block. Imagine you’re going on a 7-day Caribbean cruise but you’re flying Spirit (so you already know that we’re packing light). You have limited space and need to fit in all your essentials.
Based on how you’d pack, here are the three types of calendar users. Which one are you?
1. The “Barely-There Calendar User”
You accept meetings from other people and that’s the extent of your calendar usage.
This is like throwing everything in your suitcase and wrestling it closed like Crocodile Dundee. You’re left with hopes and prayers that you’ll never have to open it at Customs. If you need just ONE item from your suitcase, the entire contents of your bag (and your embarrassment) will be on full display for all to see. This approach leaves you disorganized and stressed. You’re constantly reacting to what’s happening around you, rather than taking control of your day.
The result? Chaos and a lingering sense of dread that you’ve forgotten something important.
2. The “All-Over-The-Place Organizer”
You put items on the calendar regularly but without a system.
This is akin to rolling your items tightly like little Pillsbury dough biscuits straight out of the can. You stand back with amazement at the beautiful sight of Marie Kondo-level organization. However, if you happen to pull a swimsuit out of that compact system too quickly, the whole system falls apart. You’re left questioning why you bothered wasting your time organizing it so nicely in the first place. When something unexpected comes up, your carefully laid plans can crumble, leaving you frustrated and back at square one.
This method seems organized at first, but it’s fragile and can quickly unravel.
3. The “Time Blocking Pro”
Now, let’s talk about the gold standard—time blocking.
You start by rolling your items to take up as little space as possible, but then you go one step further and bust out the magical and almighty packing cubes. These seemingly useless holders create boundaries around each category of clothing. If needed, they can be moved around in various ways to fit snugly into your suitcase while giving you flexibility within each container. Time blocking provides structure while allowing for adjustments, just like packing cubes in a suitcase. The level of peace from knowing exactly what you need to do and when is euphoric. It eliminates the constant decision-making that drains your already sleep-deprived body.
Time blocking isn’t just about managing your time—it’s about managing your energy.
Why Time Blocking Is the Solution You’ve Been Looking For
Time blocking can transform your life, bringing clarity, calm, and accomplishment to your days. No matter which category you fall into, this method helps you take control, ensure you’re focused on what truly matters, and avoid the overwhelm that comes from trying to do everything at once. Imagine the relief of not scrambling from one task to another, and instead, enjoying the confidence of knowing that everything has its time and place.
So, which type of calendar user are you? And more importantly, are you ready to make the shift to time blocking and finally save your sanity?
