This blog is for the rebels, the outliers, the non-conformists! You know the type, the ones who block time on their calendar to get things done, then when that time comes around, they don’t do it. Wait…is that you?
It’s common challenge, sometimes we set aside time to get the important work done and something gets in the way. Sometimes that more important thing is nothing. It’s not your most important work and you find yourself procrastinating. Some people don’t conform to time blocking. Here are some alternatives.
Match energy-Some of my clients keep a running task list. They don’t conform to a certain time block. They match their energy with the task. For low energy they have a list of tasks that match that. I used to water the plants in my office and fill up the stapler when my energy was low. It’s an absolute bummer when you’ve got high energy and you’ve got to stop for something as silly as filling the stapler.
Block time to waste time-Watch those crazy cat videos, scroll through Facebook and see what your friends are up to. It’s all good because you give yourself the time to do that. Then you make sure to get down to business when that time block arrives. It’s conscious procrastination.
Time Track-Use a tool like Rescue time and Time Doctor to track your time. A client of mine used Rescue time religiously. When their boss asked what projects they had been working on, they pulled out a detailed report. If you don’t know where your time is going, how can you make the appropriate changes to use time wisely?
Rebels, artists and even you may not be able to commit to time blocking. Trying these techniques may help in getting things done. There is no best time for certain work, only you can decide that. Using these techniques can help keep you focused and productive.
Margo Crawford is a Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace. She coaches by phone nationally and in person in Phoenix, Providence and Boston. If you want to get more organized in your office call 602-677-8275 or email [email protected].