Episode 147
The Power Of Time Blocking
The principal theme of this episode revolves around the concept of time blocking, a method that enables individuals to reclaim lost hours and enhance productivity. We explore the pervasive challenges faced by entrepreneurs who frequently find themselves ensnared in distractions and ineffective multitasking, leading to diminished output and potential revenue loss. By adopting a time blocking approach, we can assign our most precious asset—attention—to specific tasks, thereby mitigating interruptions and fostering focused work. Additionally, we delineate three pivotal strategies to effectively implement time blocking, including the importance of planning the forthcoming day, creating realistic time estimates, and establishing uninterrupted work periods. Ultimately, we assert that personalizing this system to align with one’s unique work style and priorities is essential for optimizing productivity and achieving success.
This episode meticulously examines the nuances of time management, particularly through the lens of time blocking, a technique advocated by many successful entrepreneurs. The dialogue opens with a relatable scenario: the end of a workday marked by fatigue and a sense of unaccomplished tasks. This scenario sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the reasons behind such feelings, with the speakers noting how distractions and task-switching can lead to significant productivity losses. By introducing time blocking as a remedy, the listeners are presented with a framework that promises to enhance focus and efficiency, essential traits for any entrepreneur.
Takeaways:
- The concept of time blocking is pivotal in optimizing one's productivity and efficiency.
- To enhance productivity, one must plan the following day's tasks at the end of the current day.
- Creating realistic time blocks involves accurately estimating the duration of tasks, including necessary buffers.
- Establishing distraction-free zones is essential for focusing on high-value work without interruptions.
- Time blocking should align with an individual's unique work style, enhancing personal productivity.
- Prioritizing tasks that showcase one's unique strengths is fundamental in the pursuit of business success.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Wes Wyatt
Transcript
This is Market YOU First.
Speaker:Market YOU First.
Speaker:It's time to learn to sell what you bring to the table,
Speaker:not what you're selling.
Speaker:This is Market YOU First.
Speaker:This is your host, Wes Wyatt.
Speaker:Hey everybody, this is Wes Wyatt,
Speaker:and this is the Market YOU First podcast.
Speaker:Have you ever reached the end of your workday,
Speaker:feeling exhausted, and you look down
Speaker:and you've done almost nothing off of your to-do list?
Speaker:You're not alone.
Speaker:Many people experience it, and it's okay,
Speaker:because here's the thing.
Speaker:The average entrepreneur loses a lot of hours daily
Speaker:to distractions and tasks switching.
Speaker:But what if I told you that many
Speaker:of the top performers out there
Speaker:use one simple technique that can reclaim lost hours?
Speaker:Today, we're going to be diving into it,
Speaker:and it's time blocking.
Speaker:Okay, so why does this matter?
Speaker:Time blocking matters because your time
Speaker:equals your earning potential.
Speaker:You talk about things that are income-producing activities.
Speaker:Okay, so it's IPAs.
Speaker:For side hustlers that are juggling a day job
Speaker:and building a business, every minute counts double.
Speaker:Okay, because when you're reactive
Speaker:instead of proactive with your schedule,
Speaker:you're essentially letting other people control your time.
Speaker:So think about this.
Speaker:Those five quick client calls
Speaker:that derailed your entire afternoon,
Speaker:that's not just lost time, it's lost revenue.
Speaker:So the social media check-in
Speaker:that turned into an hour-long scroll,
Speaker:that's delayed growth for your personal brand.
Speaker:So what makes time blocking different
Speaker:from regular scheduling is the intentional assignment
Speaker:of your most valuable asset, attention, to specific tasks.
Speaker:So unlike a to-do list that tells you
Speaker:what needs doing, time blocking tells you
Speaker:that when you do it, it protects the commitment
Speaker:from a constant barrage of urgent interruptions.
Speaker:Okay, so here are three key takeaways
Speaker:that are gonna help you with it.
Speaker:Number one is plan tomorrow today.
Speaker:End each workday by time blocking the next day.
Speaker:Dedicate 15 minutes to scheduled time blocks
Speaker:for your top three priorities.
Speaker:Research shows that planning tasks the night before
Speaker:reduces decision fatigue by 74%
Speaker:and increases follow-through by 42%.
Speaker:Don't just list what you'll do,
Speaker:decide exactly when you'll do it.
Speaker:Number two is create reality-based blocks.
Speaker:The biggest mistake with time blocking
Speaker:is underestimating how long tasks actually take.
Speaker:Track your work for one week
Speaker:and you'll discover what you think takes 30 minutes
Speaker:actually takes 45 to 50.
Speaker:Always add a 25% buffer to your time estimates.
Speaker:For example, if you think writing a proposal
Speaker:is gonna take you an hour, block 75 minutes.
Speaker:And number three, implement the focus fortress.
Speaker:That's a hard one for someone that stutters.
Speaker:Create untouchable deep work blocks
Speaker:of 90 to 120 minutes where notifications are off,
Speaker:your phone is in another room or away from you,
Speaker:and colleagues know not to interrupt.
Speaker:These distraction-free zones
Speaker:are where your highest value revenue generating work
Speaker:is gonna happen.
Speaker:And studies show that it can take 23 minutes
Speaker:to refocus after an interruption.
Speaker:So make these protected blocks worth their weight in gold.
Speaker:And how do you Market YOU First and make this personal?
Speaker:Your time blocking system should reflect
Speaker:your unique work style and energy patterns.
Speaker:So unlike cookie cutter productivity advice,
Speaker:effective time blocking is deeply personal.
Speaker:So if you're a morning person,
Speaker:schedule creative tasks before noon.
Speaker:If you're a night owl, save analytical work
Speaker:for later hours when others are winding down.
Speaker:Your blocks should align with your personal brand values.
Speaker:So a coach who values deep connections
Speaker:might block longer client sessions
Speaker:with substantial breaks in between.
Speaker:And then a graphic designer who prioritizes creativity
Speaker:might alternate between a 60-minute creation block
Speaker:or a 30-minute inspiration walk, okay?
Speaker:What makes time blocking uniquely yours
Speaker:is how you prioritize what matters most
Speaker:to your specific business model.
Speaker:So the question isn't just, what should I work on?
Speaker:Instead, you wanna say,
Speaker:what work best showcases my unique strengths
Speaker:and differentiators in the market?
Speaker:So here is your call to action.
Speaker:Take 15 minutes right after this podcast
Speaker:to time block tomorrow, just tomorrow, that's it.
Speaker:Create three untouchable blocks
Speaker:for your highest priority work
Speaker:and then treat them with the same commitment you would
Speaker:with meeting your biggest client.
Speaker:Schedule everything, even breaks and email checking
Speaker:and watch how this simple act of intention
Speaker:is gonna transform your productivity.
Speaker:And if you've found any of this to be helpful,
Speaker:don't forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe.
Speaker:After listening to the podcast, visit weswyatt.com,
Speaker:scroll down to where you can put in your name
Speaker:and your email address and get on our insider emails.
Speaker:I'll get you all the tips, tricks, and nuggets that I find.
Speaker:If you have questions,
Speaker:just go to the bottom right of weswyatt.com,
Speaker:click on the thought bubble.
Speaker:That is my chat feature.
Speaker:I don't monitor that live,
Speaker:but I'll get back to you very promptly.
Speaker:And last, but certainly not least,
Speaker:go to weswyatt.com/disclaimer
Speaker:for important context regarding this
Speaker:and all podcasts, posts, and info I provide.
Speaker:And I can't thank you enough for tuning in
Speaker:for another episode of the Market YOU First podcast.
Speaker:Until next time, have a DYNAMITE day!
Speaker:You've been listening to the Market YOU First podcast.
Speaker:You are the most important thing you can sell.
Speaker:We hope you've gotten some useful
Speaker:and practical information from the show.
Speaker:Make sure to like, rate, and review the show.
Speaker:And we'll be back soon.
Speaker:But to find the show notes
Speaker:and everything about the Market YOU First podcast,
Speaker:visit marketyoufirst.com.
Speaker:On behalf of your host, Wes Wyatt,
Speaker:and the whole Market YOU First team,
Speaker:have a DYNAMITE day!
