Using Time Blocking to Stay Motivated

What happens when we push our brain to keep thinking, focusing and creating hour after hour? It shuts down. It goes on strike. It says “I’m outa here, buddy”. This is especially true when we keep requiring it to focus on the same task for hours at a time. Neuroscience now tells us that changing tasks regularly, taking consistent breaks and blocking out our time keeps our brain more engaged when it is working so that we actually get more done in less time.

 

So, let’s look at blocking time. This is not a new concept. But it’s one we don’t use often enough to maintain our enthusiasm and focus, not to mention our mental and emotional health. Blocking time is a way to schedule your work hours in a way that sets up a dedicated time to a particular task. And then, when that time is up, you switch to a new task. 

 

But why you may ask, is this important to performance and productivity?

 

●      Keeps your brain from getting bored (aka, low motivation)

●      Mentally prepares you for the tasks ahead

●      Lowers stress because you see work getting done

●      Ensures no multitasking occurs

●      Improves self-confidence in your ability to succeed

 

So, how should you go about blocking your time? Usually, it’s recommended to work in 2-3 hour work chunks at a time, while allowing a short 5-10 minute break every 30-45 minutes.

 

1.  Decide how you will block your time. There are many ways to do this, including various apps and email calendars. Google Calendar is a great way to get started because it’s easy to use and readily available.

2.  Chose the date and time for your task. Remember to keep it to 2-3 hours if possible.

3.  Decide where you will complete the task.

4.  Include any details you need to remember before performing the task in the memo area. This will make it faster to get started when you get to that time block. No searching for the sticky note you wrote the directions on.

5.  Set reminders so you know when it’s time to switch tasks. You can get a reminder via email, pop-up or app notifications.

 

Using time blocks keeps your motivation high for all the reasons stated above, and also because it allows you to use several of your skill sets each day. It breaks up the monotony of doing the same task all day long.