[[:encoded, "As a business owner, you often get pulled in many different directions, which can lead to thinly-spread focus and subpar quality of work. How many times have you started responding to an email, only to have a team member ping you to ask a question about an upcoming project, and then realize you had a meeting starting in two minutes?\n\nWhile there are many things that need your attention, not everything needs your attention right now. You can increase productivity by building a habit of time blocking each day.\n\nTime blocking is the practice of scheduling out each moment of your day on your calendar. It may look overwhelming to have a completely full calendar, but it’s a great way to understand when to focus on certain activities and create much-needed structure in your schedule.\n\nHow to start blocking out time on your calendar\nFilling up your calendar doesn’t mean it needs to be followed exactly, every single day. Allow for flexibility, especially as circumstances change and crises inevitably arise. Think of it more as a framework, a place to get started and increase productivity before you even start working. Let me share some ideal to help you to start setting up your own time blocking calendar or get even better at time blocking.\n\nStart with Your Own Routines\nWhile the majority of your day will be work-related tasks, it’s important to set aside time for your own personal routines. Working out, for example, provides many benefits for business owners. If you prefer exercising in the morning, block off an hour to an hour and a half in the morning on your calendar for your workout time.\n\nBlock Off Dedicated Email Time\nIt can be tempting to check each email as it comes in, but interrupting your current task you are working on to check your email can shift your focus. In doing so, it will take more time to refocus on what you were originally doing, leading to a less productive work session. Block off a couple of one-hour blocks during the day, as needed, to check and respond to emails. I recommend 11:00 and 4:00, so you aren’t checking email first thing and getting off schedule first thing in the morning.\n\nSave Time for Lunch\nDon’t forget to eat! Schedule lunch breaks or quick 15-minute breaks as needed. The rule is, if they’re on your calendar, you have to take them. This also helps you to set boundaries, so that others can’t disturb you during those set times. Taking a break to eat and recharge throughout the day can keep you mentally sharp and reset your creative juices. Go ahead, you deserve it.\n\nBlock Off Time for Projects or Specific Tasks\nHow granular you want to get on your calendar depends on your preference—you can either block off time each day for “Daily tasks” or for specific tasks, such as “Write first draft of Forbes article.” If you’re more creative in the mornings, use that time to be intentional about crafting a vision for your company, or taking notes from books or podcasts with ideas you want to implement. If the afternoon is when you feel most productive, set aside a chunk of time in the afternoon for task batching.\n\nMore Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Time Blocking\n\nYou’re on your way to taking back your time and knocking off all those backlogged items on your to-do list. So, let’s talk about a few more tips to increase your productivity with time blocking:\n\n•\tUse themes for each day to hone in your focus time even more. For example, Mondays might be for catching up on emails and responding to vendors, Tuesdays could be Content Days, Wednesdays for revenue generation and business development, etc.\n•\tAdd some buffer time between blocks. Some tasks may take longer than others, or you may just want a bit more flexibility within your schedule. Try adding 15 minutes before and after each time block. Think of those as well-deserved breaks for being ultra-productive with your time.\n•\tSchedule time to be inspired. You can use that time to sit and brainstorm with a notepad a
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I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.
Aim for what you want each and every day!
Anne Bachrach
The Accountability Coach™
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