Getting More Done Time-blocking is a powerful productivity technique that helps you plan every hour of your day to maximize focus and efficiency. Instead of a vague to-do list, you create a schedule with designated blocks for specific tasks or activities.
For example, you might reserve 9-10 AM for checking email, 10 AM-12 PM for a deep-work project, 1-2 PM for lunch and a walk, and so on. With each block dedicated to a single category of work, you eliminate decision fatigue about what to do next.
According to productivity experts, this approach “boosts productivity” by providing clear structure and increased focus. ##
In practice, you start by listing out all the tasks you need to accomplish (weekly or daily), then prioritize and categorize them. Next, use a calendar (paper or digital) to assign each task a specific time window.
Include work tasks, but also schedule breaks and even personal time (walks, errands, meals). Because everything is laid out, you know exactly where your time is going.
This means you no longer spend your morning dithering over what to tackle first. ##
When your day is pre-planned, you don’t have to keep choosing “what’s next?” in the moment. Todoist explains that once you “time-block in advance, you won’t have to constantly make choices about what to focus on”.
By working on one type of task per block, you minimize context-switching. For instance, batching all phone calls together or all creative writing sessions together keeps your brain in one mode at a time.
Slots for high-priority tasks ensure you give them your best energy (often in the morning).
“From 2-3 PM, I will only work on this report.” As a result, research shows people tend to accomplish more when they stick to time blocks, rather than leaving tasks open-ended.
Time-blocking forces you to estimate how long tasks take. Over time, you get a realistic sense of your workflow.
It also makes it obvious if you’ve overcommitted. If you see too much planned on one day, you can adjust before you ever feel overwhelmed. ##
List all tasks for the week or day. Prioritize them by importance. (
urgent vs. important tasks.)
On a calendar , draw blocks for each task. For example, morning for high-focus work, afternoon for meetings or routine tasks, evening for review and planning.
Don’t forget to include breaks33 and buffer time.
To streamline, batch similar tasks in one block. Instead of emailing sporadically, block time from 4-4:30 PM to reply to all emails, then close your inbox.
Stick to the schedule. If a task isn’t finished, move it to the next available block.
This prevents one activity from swallowing your entire day.
At the end of the day or week, review what you accomplished and what’s left. Adjust next day’s blocks based on new priorities.
Todoist recommends an end-of-day review as part of this process .
While it’s important to follow your time blocks as closely as possible, remain flexible. Unexpected tasks will come up.
When they do, either quickly adjust your blocks or deal with them during pre-planned “catch-up” slots. Over time, maintaining a bit of structure helps you handle unplanned issues without losing overall control.
Time-blocking is essentially scheduling your success. By carving each hour of your day around tasks you choose ahead of time, you unlock greater control over your time.
You trade indecision for a clear plan. As Todoist highlights, with time-blocking “all you need to do is follow your time-blocked schedule”.
This simple, disciplined approach can significantly increase focus, reduce stress, and help you get more done every day.
We use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences and measure site traffic. By clicking “Accept Cookies”, you agree to our use of cookies. See our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for details.