How to manage our time?

Hey friend,

I hope you're doing well!

Today, let's delve into the nuanced world of Time Management, focusing on 'Time Blocking' and 'Parkinson’s Law'. As we explore different viewpoints, remember that the field is diverse, with each expert offering unique insights.

Tiago Forte brings an energy-focused perspective: 

Adam Grant also steers away from traditional time management:

Closer to the traditional perspective and somewhat contrarian stance to the earlier mentioned ones, Cal Newport, an advocate for structured work methodologies, champions time blocking. Newport, the author of 'Deep Work' and creator of 'The Time-Block Planner', argues for the effectiveness of this approach: "A 40-hour time-blocked work week, I estimate, produces the same amount of output as a 60+ hour work week pursued without structure."

Although I appreciate and understand the perspectives of Tiago Forte and Adam Grant's perspectives, I find Cal Newport’s method quite useful and practical. In my experience, tasks can often consume far more time than necessary without designated time blocks.

This phenomenon aligns with Parkinson’s Law, which states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. I've found time blocking to be an effective strategy to combat this. Setting clear boundaries for each task encourages efficiency and helps focus efforts within those set time limits."

To further clarify the concept of time blocking, let's dispel a common misconception: Time blocking is not about micromanaging every 15-30 minutes of your day with a different task. Over-scheduling like this can lead to a counterproductive day, filled with stress and a lack of deep focus. Instead, effective time blocking involves allocating ample chunks of time to specific tasks or types of work, allowing for focused effort and meaningful progress.

For a visual representation of what effective time blocking looks like, check out this graphic from the Todoist blog. It illustrates how to balance your day with structured yet flexible time blocks. This and more information can be found in the resources section.

For deeper insights, check out these resources:

• Time Blocking: Todoist's Guide on Time Blocking

• Tiago Forte's unique approach: PARA (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive Method)

• Cal Newport's perspective: The Simple Rule To Double Your Productivity Everyday | Cal Newport

Finding a productivity method that resonates with your style and workflow is key.

Stay productive and curious!

Selim