July 30, 2023 • 19 mins
Time blocking is a productivity technique that involves scheduling specific time blocks for different activities or tasks throughout your day. By dedicating focused periods of time to specific activities, you can enhance your efficiency, prioritize important tasks, and minimize distractions.
For a full transcript of this episode please go to the official website https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
Show links:
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
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YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg
QUOTES:
The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule but to schedule your priorities. Stephen Covey
A 40-hour time-blocked work week, I estimate, produces the same amount of output as a 60+ hour work week pursued without structure. Cal Newport
Time blocking is about being intentional with your time rather than reactive. Cal Newport
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. William Penn
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY Katy Jordan
Official website: https://www.katy-jordan.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyjordan92
Thanks:
A Himitsu
Music By: Music by A Himitsu
Track: Adventures by A Himitsu https://www.soundcloud.com/a-himitsu
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8
Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A
For a full transcript of this episode please go to the official website https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
Show links:
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg
QUOTES:
The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule but to schedule your priorities. Stephen Covey
A 40-hour time-blocked work week, I estimate, produces the same amount of output as a 60+ hour work week pursued without structure. Cal Newport
Time blocking is about being intentional with your time rather than reactive. Cal Newport
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. William Penn
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY Katy Jordan
Official website: https://www.katy-jordan.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyjordan92
Thanks:
A Himitsu
Music By: Music by A Himitsu
Track: Adventures by A Himitsu https://www.soundcloud.com/a-himitsu
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8
Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This episode is sponsored by Katie Jordan. Hello, and welcome back to Film
Pro, Productivity and Success, thepodcast that helps film professionals and other creative
people to live a more focused,effective and happy life. My name is
(00:21):
Carter Ferguson, and this is episodeone hundred and forty three time Blocking.
A forty hour time blocked work week, I estimate produces the same amount of
output as a sixty plus hour workweek pursued without structure. Cal Newport,
(00:43):
author of Deep Work, In lastweek's show, I asked you to consider
whether or not you had become someoneelse's useful idiot, a term christened to
describe anyone that spends their own time, money, focus, energy, contacts,
or whatever to better someone else's positionor some other organization's position, perhaps
(01:07):
whilst at the same time damaging orundermining your own position. And it's another
important episode, so if you missedit, it's not a long one,
please do go back and check itout. While some people out there attribute
Elon Musk's remarkable ability to maintain focuswithout distractions to his exceptional level of genius,
(01:29):
so it said there is a morecompelling explanation for his effective time management,
and that is something known as timeblocking. Time blocking is, at
fairly basic standards, overreaching productivity techniquethat involves scheduling specific time blocks for different
(01:49):
activities or tasks throughout your day,or your week, or your month or
whatever. By dedicating focused periods oftime to specific act activities, you can
enhance your efficiency, prioritize important tasks, and minimize distractions. And Elone,
by the way, isn't the onlymulti billionaire who uses this system. According
(02:10):
to an article in the Telegraph,Bill Gates also breaks down tasks into small
chunks. Whereas I wouldn't necessarily recommenddoing the same to everyone in every situation,
he schedules every five minutes of hisday to this time management technique.
Scratch a little deeper and you'll discoverthat he learned about this from Warren Buffett,
(02:36):
another billionaire. So don't dismiss thistechnique just because of the names that
I'm dropping here. This is seriousstuff for any productivity taste who wants to
get stuff done. So let megive you a couple of examples before I
go any further. Let's say you'rea freelance writer with multiple client projects to
manage. You can use time blockingto allocate specific time slots for different tasks,
(03:00):
and for example, that would beyou may reserve the mornings for research
and outlining, the afternoons for writingand editing, and a dedicated block for
client communication and administrative work somewhere alongthe day as well. And by consciously
setting aside dedicated time for each aspectof your work, you can maintain focus.
(03:20):
You can avoid multitasking, which I'vedone a show and is not always
a very good thing. In fact, it is recommended in productivity terms that
you do not multitask, and youcan also complete tasks more efficiently. And
if you want to improve your personalproductivity, you can use time blocking to
structure your day. For example,you could allocate a block of time in
(03:42):
the morning for exercise and self care. I've started doing that. From eight
thirty in the morn until ten o'clock, I go to the gym and I
go for a swim. That's onething I do. But that can then
be followed by focused work blocks forspecific projects or goals. So what I
tend to do is travel to theoffice and use that time of day to
work on my most important creative projects. And sometimes those creative projects are it's
(04:08):
the administrative work that I'm doing onit, but I give them my best
time. I tend to find afterI've been to gym in the morning,
anyway, I've gone off on onewhere it was so you might also include
breaks or relaxation time between these blocksto recharge. And by mapping out your
day and assigning time blocks to differentactivities, you will find it much easier
(04:28):
to prioritize important tasks, reduce distractions, and really just make the most of
your time. Stephen Covey, authorof These Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,
says this about time blocking. Thekey is not to prioritize what's on
your schedule, but to schedule yourpriorities. He emphasizes the importance of scheduling
(04:49):
your priorities rather than letting the scheduledictate your priorities. If you get what
I'm saying, time blocking allows youto allocate specific time slot for the most
important tasks, ensuring that they receivethe attention they deserve. What I like
about time blocking and I do useI don't use it all the time,
(05:10):
but when I've got to get somethingdone, I do use it. But
what I like about it is itputs you in the driver's seat, allowing
you to proactively structure your day andyour week or whatever, and that in
turn allows you to make the mostof the time you have. Going back
to that cal Newport a quote fromthe top of the show, a forty
hour time blocked work week, Iestimate produces the same amount of output as
(05:32):
a six day plus hour work weekpursued without structure. And Peter Drucker's got
another thing he says which is relevanthere. He says, until we can
manage time, we can manage nothingelse. And that all comes together here
and that quote, until we canmanage time, we can manage nothing else
but Peter Drucker. That emphasizes thefundamental role of time management in overall effectiveness.
(05:57):
Time blocking provides a framework are managingyour time effectively by providing structure and
clarity to your daily schedule. Soeven today, in fact, I would
say that I have floundered somewhat anddeciding where I should focus my time and
my efforts, and it was noteasy to get myself together. I've got
to be honest. It's been saidthat what gets scheduled, though, gets
done, and I find this tobe very true because if you assign specific
(06:20):
time blocks to tasks, you increasethe likelihood of completing them because they are
given dedicated time and attention. Andthat takes me right back to the thing
I hit you with all the time, which is, if you write something
down, you're forty two percent morelikely to achieve it. Please remember that
one. I'll keep on firing itout there. And this all ties in
(06:41):
with blocking out scheduling what you're doingwith your time. Cal Newport writes in
Deep Work Rules for Focused Success ina Distracted World that time blocking is about
being intentional with your time rather thanreactive. Time blocking is at being intentional
with your time rather than being reactive. Yes, instead of reacting to incoming
(07:08):
requests or distractions, time blocking allowsyou to be intentional and focused on the
tasks at hand, enabling you againto work more efficiently and effectively. You
know, it's all part of thetitle of might sorry my intro to this
show to be become more focused,effective, and ideally happy. The happiness
comes from getting more out of life, getting stuff done on time, achieving
(07:30):
more things. I'm going off onone. I'll go back to back to
my notes and I could go onall day with quotes and examples basically,
but I think you're beginning to getthe gist of it. So here are
some simple ways to apply time blockingto your life and your work. Firstly,
i'd say identify your priorities. Startby identifying your top priorities both your
(07:53):
in your personal life and in yourwork life, and determine the tasks or
activities that are the most important andrequire a dedicated focus. Next, once
you've identified those priorities, set yourselftime blocks. Allocate specific time blocks for
each priority. For example, youmight reserve a block in the morning for
important work tasks, another block inthe afternoon for personal errands or self care,
(08:18):
and an evening block for leisure activities. That this would be an example
of what you could do. Ihave worked where I've done. I've worked
in companies which will work from nineo'clock through to about half twelve, and
they'll have a break through it themorning. Then they'll work from one thirty
through to five thirty see another sectionthere, and then they'll work again from
(08:41):
like six thirty through till nine thirty. I've worked in that sort of structure,
the structure I set myself as Isay, I try to get to
the gym round about eight thirty,although these days it's a little bit later
usually because the gym at eight thirtyis a bit crazy. And then I'll
go straight across the road to theswimming and I'll get in a fifteen minute
swimming after that just gets me freshenedup for the day. But once I've
(09:03):
left that, I've got twenty minutedrive to work. Once I'm settled in
there, I'll maybe grab something forlunch on the way there. I've then
got a really good period where I'mfocused, and that's when I get my
best work done. Then in theafternoon I can continue that or i can
go onto other things, but generallyspeaking, my mornings are completely sewn up.
I'm trying to squeeze in just I'vegot off on one here. I'm
(09:24):
trying to squeeze in Diamond Dallas PagesYoga DDP yoga into the evening session,
but at the moment I'm kind ofrun off my feet constantly in the back
foot, so I've not managed toget that in yet, but I'm trying
to plan my day to make thathappen just before I go home as well,
so that would happen at six o'clockuntil about six twenty five, and
(09:45):
then I've been the car driving homea sixth story. Anyway, you set
the time blocks that work for you. I would suggest that you identify when
you are your brain is best,when it works best, when you're the
sharpest, and do your most importantstuff then. And again I'm totally going
off a script at the moment,but please remember things like if you're looking
for ways to prioritize to find yourpriorities, like the previous one I mentioned
(10:09):
here, don't forget You've got thingslike the Eisenhower matrix, which just just
google it. It'll make more senseof it. You get the focus funnel
you can use as well to helpyou find priorities. And there's something called
golden time, and that golden time, when you're looking at prioritizing things,
is when you are freshest and best, and that's when you should be focusing
(10:30):
down on stuff which is important butnot urgent. Important but not urgent stuff
is stuff that are your own personalprojects. That the thing that things that
will forward your vision, forward youraims and goals and stuff that, so
look out for them and try anduse when your sharpest to do that stuff
or anyway, totally went off onone there. Back to my list of
(10:50):
things you can do. You wantto be realistic and ensure that your time
blocks are realistic and achievable. Andconsider your energy levels. That's just what
I was talking about. In fact, I went off on one and I've
actually get it written down. Andconsider your energy levels and the time you
require for each task, and avoidoverloading your schedule, and allow yourself the
brakes or buffer time between blocks.A buffer time being it being time for
(11:13):
you to kind of shut down whatyou've been working on and get your brain
ready for the next thing. Nextto my list, I've got eliminate distractions,
because during each time block, youwant to eliminate any distractions that could
get in the way as much aspossible. Remove them from your world.
Turn off notifications on your phone,for example, close unnecessary tabs on your
(11:35):
computer, and create a focused environmentthat promotes productivity. If you're working with
people, you want to see them. I do not want to be disturbed
for the next two hours, threehours, and I'll come out, I'll
have a break. Maybe in themiddle I can have a chat with you,
but just shut people off that couldinterrupt your focused time. Next,
(11:56):
stick to the schedule. Once you'veset your time blocks, commit to fall
following them, Treat them as importantappointments with yourself, and avoid unnecessary deviations.
And this helps you to maintain yourdiscipline and it keeps things consistent.
And finally, what I've got mynotes here is evaluate and adjust. And
(12:16):
this is something that it took mea while to kind of get my head
around this because once I've got mymindset on something intended to try and force
it through to happen. But youneed to regularly evaluate how your time blocking
system is working for you. Assesswhether certain blocks need more time or less
time, and make adjustments accordingly.Adapt your schedule as needed to ensure that
(12:39):
it aligns with your evolving priorities andresponsibilities. Certainly, I find when I'm
interacting coordinating something that involves other people, I have to adapt my schedules regularly
because I'm constantly getting let down.I've got to be honest, that's probably
the biggest problem I have with timeblocking is when I say a time block
to achieve something and someone who isresponsibility for one element of whatever the project
(13:03):
is does not deliver within the timethat I've set out. That throws my
project. At the moment, I'min week four, I mean week three
actually of a twelve week here.Please go back and check out check out
twelve week hears in earlier episodes.Very important. I've got twelve weeks time
blocked here the specific things I've gotto achieve at each block. I was
(13:26):
hoping to have a locked version ofthe Traveler short film a shot and januarate
this week. However, even today, which is the Thursday of that week,
I have not received the VFX shotsthat I require to lock everything into
a completely finished film. I'm stillwaiting for that, so I've had to
readjust somewhat, and I find myselfrecording a show instead. I do have
(13:48):
other projects I can jump into ifa problem comes up, So maybe it's
worth having little side projects that youcan use as fillers if someone else throws
you're scheduling off. The last pointthere was to evaluate and adjust your time
blocking system if it needs to adapt, And that's kind of all my notes
I've got written down. I'll justsum up here by saying, the key
(14:11):
to effective time blocking is to createthat structured routine I've been talking about create
one that supports your goals though,and helps you to manage your time more
efficiently. Just believe me when Isay that by dedicating specific time blocks to
different tasks and activities that you've gotgoing on, you will effectively enhance your
(14:33):
focus. You'll be able to prioritizemore effectively, and you will make steady
progress towards your objectives. And asI said a minute ago, the true
power of time blocking also lies incustomizing it to suit your own preferences and
your own work style. So experimentwith different time blocking durations, see what
works best for you, see whenyour best, and adapt it to your
(14:56):
specific needs and fine tune your approachto it over time to optimize your productivity.
It's the name of the show,so bear it in mind. And
so here we are again. We'vepassed the midpoint of season eleven and I
think it's going pretty well. Andsomeone did ask about sponsoring episodes on social
media recently. I might put outsponsorship for this one, but the reason
(15:18):
I haven't put them out for theprevious six episodes is because I had this.
I had run this crowdfunder for theTraveler. The short film that I
shot in January, and because Ihave still not completely that there's been a
fifteen sixteen week delay because of someproblems with v effects. Actually more like
a it's more like a seven weekdelay, six week delay. Because there
(15:41):
was a time frame it was meantto be done within, its went past
it. It's not something I cancontrol. And because that film project's not
completed and I had raised money throughcrowdfunding for that, I have not asked
for anyone to support a new projectto mind until that one is and they
can. But I'm hoping by thetime this one is out that it will
have a sponsor. So if there'sa sponsor on the front of this one,
(16:03):
thank you very very much. I'mjust uncomfortable seeking more money through crowdfunding
until I've delivered on that last projectbasically, And let me just say that
if you're enjoying the show, youdon't necessarily need to engage with me on
social media because I have discovered,although i'd like you too, i'd like
to get feedback through social media.I have discovered through running a test on
(16:26):
Twitter, and it's something I'd longsuspected that social media promotion it's a lot
of old garbage. I ran atest thing which I asked a simple question
with a yes no answer, andonly zero point two six percent of the
people that followed film pro Prod podon Twitter even clicked it. And if
(16:47):
I was to say that maybe zeropoint two six percent of the zero point
two six that I got might actuallygo on to listen to it, I
think that would be fairly accurate.So I'll be lucky with any one post
that I put out to may mepossibly get one new listener. So I've
started focusing my efforts elsewhere. Whatyou can do, however, to help
out the show is and I'm justfeeding you that information gives us a productivity
(17:08):
show, and I'd like you toknow that, you know, with something
that's not bringing in money, apodcast does not make money. Whoever,
unless you're Joe Rogan, of coursehe's doing alreaty of it. But yeah,
I don't waste your time on socialmedia promotion. I've been putting my
efforts elsewhere, and I've actually tentimes the audience since at the start of
the season, and so I thinkepisode four of this season has gone out
(17:30):
at the point that I'm recording thiswill bear that in mine. But if
you're enjoying the show, what alot rather you did is leave a leave
a review for it on Apple Podcasts. That's the best thing that you could
do to help the show along.If you like it, please do that.
Of course, subscribe and talk aboutit to other people would be good
as well, but that's what I'masking for it. And if you've not
got Apple, jump onto the Facebookgroup at film pro Productivity on Facebook and
(17:52):
you can leave a review on there. Anyway, enough of that, please
do try out time block. There'sa little bit of a call to action
for you. Just put a littlebit of a structure in one day and
see if you can stick to itand see what difference it makes to your
life. I'll tell you it'll makea hell of a difference if you make
it work for you. In nextweek's show, though, I'm going to
(18:15):
be talking about the problem solving principleof Acam's Razors, So tune in for
that one same time next week.In the meantime though that we end with
some words from William Penn who saidtime it's what we want most, but
what we use worst. Now takecontrol of your own destiny. Keep on
(18:37):
shooting and join me next time onFilm Pro Productivity and Success And yeah,
there you go. That was theend of the show. The music you're
listening to right now his Adventures bywhomts U nearly forgot what I was doing
there. You can view these shownotes for this episode the full show notes
(19:00):
only on the official website at filmpro Productivity dot com. Please go check
it out. You can follow thempersonal accounts on Twitter and Instagram at Fight,
Underscore director and I think they're thesame on oh threads, Yeah that's
the new and threads or listen orcheck it on Facebook as well Film Pro
Productivity. Anyway, please continue tosupport the show, subscribe, spread the
word and all that catch you soon.
This episode is sponsored by Katie Jordan. Hello, and welcome back to Film
Pro, Productivity and Success, thepodcast that helps film professionals and other creative
people to live a more focused,effective and happy life. My name is
(00:21):
Carter Ferguson, and this is episodeone hundred and forty three time Blocking.
A forty hour time blocked work week, I estimate produces the same amount of
output as a sixty plus hour workweek pursued without structure. Cal Newport,
(00:43):
author of Deep Work, In lastweek's show, I asked you to consider
whether or not you had become someoneelse's useful idiot, a term christened to
describe anyone that spends their own time, money, focus, energy, contacts,
or whatever to better someone else's positionor some other organization's position, perhaps
(01:07):
whilst at the same time damaging orundermining your own position. And it's another
important episode, so if you missedit, it's not a long one,
please do go back and check itout. While some people out there attribute
Elon Musk's remarkable ability to maintain focuswithout distractions to his exceptional level of genius,
(01:29):
so it said there is a morecompelling explanation for his effective time management,
and that is something known as timeblocking. Time blocking is, at
fairly basic standards, overreaching productivity techniquethat involves scheduling specific time blocks for different
(01:49):
activities or tasks throughout your day,or your week, or your month or
whatever. By dedicating focused periods oftime to specific act activities, you can
enhance your efficiency, prioritize important tasks, and minimize distractions. And Elone,
by the way, isn't the onlymulti billionaire who uses this system. According
(02:10):
to an article in the Telegraph,Bill Gates also breaks down tasks into small
chunks. Whereas I wouldn't necessarily recommenddoing the same to everyone in every situation,
he schedules every five minutes of hisday to this time management technique.
Scratch a little deeper and you'll discoverthat he learned about this from Warren Buffett,
(02:36):
another billionaire. So don't dismiss thistechnique just because of the names that
I'm dropping here. This is seriousstuff for any productivity taste who wants to
get stuff done. So let megive you a couple of examples before I
go any further. Let's say you'rea freelance writer with multiple client projects to
manage. You can use time blockingto allocate specific time slots for different tasks,
(03:00):
and for example, that would beyou may reserve the mornings for research
and outlining, the afternoons for writingand editing, and a dedicated block for
client communication and administrative work somewhere alongthe day as well. And by consciously
setting aside dedicated time for each aspectof your work, you can maintain focus.
(03:20):
You can avoid multitasking, which I'vedone a show and is not always
a very good thing. In fact, it is recommended in productivity terms that
you do not multitask, and youcan also complete tasks more efficiently. And
if you want to improve your personalproductivity, you can use time blocking to
structure your day. For example,you could allocate a block of time in
(03:42):
the morning for exercise and self care. I've started doing that. From eight
thirty in the morn until ten o'clock, I go to the gym and I
go for a swim. That's onething I do. But that can then
be followed by focused work blocks forspecific projects or goals. So what I
tend to do is travel to theoffice and use that time of day to
work on my most important creative projects. And sometimes those creative projects are it's
(04:08):
the administrative work that I'm doing onit, but I give them my best
time. I tend to find afterI've been to gym in the morning,
anyway, I've gone off on onewhere it was so you might also include
breaks or relaxation time between these blocksto recharge. And by mapping out your
day and assigning time blocks to differentactivities, you will find it much easier
(04:28):
to prioritize important tasks, reduce distractions, and really just make the most of
your time. Stephen Covey, authorof These Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,
says this about time blocking. Thekey is not to prioritize what's on
your schedule, but to schedule yourpriorities. He emphasizes the importance of scheduling
(04:49):
your priorities rather than letting the scheduledictate your priorities. If you get what
I'm saying, time blocking allows youto allocate specific time slot for the most
important tasks, ensuring that they receivethe attention they deserve. What I like
about time blocking and I do useI don't use it all the time,
(05:10):
but when I've got to get somethingdone, I do use it. But
what I like about it is itputs you in the driver's seat, allowing
you to proactively structure your day andyour week or whatever, and that in
turn allows you to make the mostof the time you have. Going back
to that cal Newport a quote fromthe top of the show, a forty
hour time blocked work week, Iestimate produces the same amount of output as
(05:32):
a six day plus hour work weekpursued without structure. And Peter Drucker's got
another thing he says which is relevanthere. He says, until we can
manage time, we can manage nothingelse. And that all comes together here
and that quote, until we canmanage time, we can manage nothing else
but Peter Drucker. That emphasizes thefundamental role of time management in overall effectiveness.
(05:57):
Time blocking provides a framework are managingyour time effectively by providing structure and
clarity to your daily schedule. Soeven today, in fact, I would
say that I have floundered somewhat anddeciding where I should focus my time and
my efforts, and it was noteasy to get myself together. I've got
to be honest. It's been saidthat what gets scheduled, though, gets
done, and I find this tobe very true because if you assign specific
(06:20):
time blocks to tasks, you increasethe likelihood of completing them because they are
given dedicated time and attention. Andthat takes me right back to the thing
I hit you with all the time, which is, if you write something
down, you're forty two percent morelikely to achieve it. Please remember that
one. I'll keep on firing itout there. And this all ties in
(06:41):
with blocking out scheduling what you're doingwith your time. Cal Newport writes in
Deep Work Rules for Focused Success ina Distracted World that time blocking is about
being intentional with your time rather thanreactive. Time blocking is at being intentional
with your time rather than being reactive. Yes, instead of reacting to incoming
(07:08):
requests or distractions, time blocking allowsyou to be intentional and focused on the
tasks at hand, enabling you againto work more efficiently and effectively. You
know, it's all part of thetitle of might sorry my intro to this
show to be become more focused,effective, and ideally happy. The happiness
comes from getting more out of life, getting stuff done on time, achieving
(07:30):
more things. I'm going off onone. I'll go back to back to
my notes and I could go onall day with quotes and examples basically,
but I think you're beginning to getthe gist of it. So here are
some simple ways to apply time blockingto your life and your work. Firstly,
i'd say identify your priorities. Startby identifying your top priorities both your
(07:53):
in your personal life and in yourwork life, and determine the tasks or
activities that are the most important andrequire a dedicated focus. Next, once
you've identified those priorities, set yourselftime blocks. Allocate specific time blocks for
each priority. For example, youmight reserve a block in the morning for
important work tasks, another block inthe afternoon for personal errands or self care,
(08:18):
and an evening block for leisure activities. That this would be an example
of what you could do. Ihave worked where I've done. I've worked
in companies which will work from nineo'clock through to about half twelve, and
they'll have a break through it themorning. Then they'll work from one thirty
through to five thirty see another sectionthere, and then they'll work again from
(08:41):
like six thirty through till nine thirty. I've worked in that sort of structure,
the structure I set myself as Isay, I try to get to
the gym round about eight thirty,although these days it's a little bit later
usually because the gym at eight thirtyis a bit crazy. And then I'll
go straight across the road to theswimming and I'll get in a fifteen minute
swimming after that just gets me freshenedup for the day. But once I've
(09:03):
left that, I've got twenty minutedrive to work. Once I'm settled in
there, I'll maybe grab something forlunch on the way there. I've then
got a really good period where I'mfocused, and that's when I get my
best work done. Then in theafternoon I can continue that or i can
go onto other things, but generallyspeaking, my mornings are completely sewn up.
I'm trying to squeeze in just I'vegot off on one here. I'm
(09:24):
trying to squeeze in Diamond Dallas PagesYoga DDP yoga into the evening session,
but at the moment I'm kind ofrun off my feet constantly in the back
foot, so I've not managed toget that in yet, but I'm trying
to plan my day to make thathappen just before I go home as well,
so that would happen at six o'clockuntil about six twenty five, and
(09:45):
then I've been the car driving homea sixth story. Anyway, you set
the time blocks that work for you. I would suggest that you identify when
you are your brain is best,when it works best, when you're the
sharpest, and do your most importantstuff then. And again I'm totally going
off a script at the moment,but please remember things like if you're looking
for ways to prioritize to find yourpriorities, like the previous one I mentioned
(10:09):
here, don't forget You've got thingslike the Eisenhower matrix, which just just
google it. It'll make more senseof it. You get the focus funnel
you can use as well to helpyou find priorities. And there's something called
golden time, and that golden time, when you're looking at prioritizing things,
is when you are freshest and best, and that's when you should be focusing
(10:30):
down on stuff which is important butnot urgent. Important but not urgent stuff
is stuff that are your own personalprojects. That the thing that things that
will forward your vision, forward youraims and goals and stuff that, so
look out for them and try anduse when your sharpest to do that stuff
or anyway, totally went off onone there. Back to my list of
(10:50):
things you can do. You wantto be realistic and ensure that your time
blocks are realistic and achievable. Andconsider your energy levels. That's just what
I was talking about. In fact, I went off on one and I've
actually get it written down. Andconsider your energy levels and the time you
require for each task, and avoidoverloading your schedule, and allow yourself the
brakes or buffer time between blocks.A buffer time being it being time for
(11:13):
you to kind of shut down whatyou've been working on and get your brain
ready for the next thing. Nextto my list, I've got eliminate distractions,
because during each time block, youwant to eliminate any distractions that could
get in the way as much aspossible. Remove them from your world.
Turn off notifications on your phone,for example, close unnecessary tabs on your
(11:35):
computer, and create a focused environmentthat promotes productivity. If you're working with
people, you want to see them. I do not want to be disturbed
for the next two hours, threehours, and I'll come out, I'll
have a break. Maybe in themiddle I can have a chat with you,
but just shut people off that couldinterrupt your focused time. Next,
(11:56):
stick to the schedule. Once you'veset your time blocks, commit to fall
following them, Treat them as importantappointments with yourself, and avoid unnecessary deviations.
And this helps you to maintain yourdiscipline and it keeps things consistent.
And finally, what I've got mynotes here is evaluate and adjust. And
(12:16):
this is something that it took mea while to kind of get my head
around this because once I've got mymindset on something intended to try and force
it through to happen. But youneed to regularly evaluate how your time blocking
system is working for you. Assesswhether certain blocks need more time or less
time, and make adjustments accordingly.Adapt your schedule as needed to ensure that
(12:39):
it aligns with your evolving priorities andresponsibilities. Certainly, I find when I'm
interacting coordinating something that involves other people, I have to adapt my schedules regularly
because I'm constantly getting let down.I've got to be honest, that's probably
the biggest problem I have with timeblocking is when I say a time block
to achieve something and someone who isresponsibility for one element of whatever the project
(13:03):
is does not deliver within the timethat I've set out. That throws my
project. At the moment, I'min week four, I mean week three
actually of a twelve week here.Please go back and check out check out
twelve week hears in earlier episodes.Very important. I've got twelve weeks time
blocked here the specific things I've gotto achieve at each block. I was
(13:26):
hoping to have a locked version ofthe Traveler short film a shot and januarate
this week. However, even today, which is the Thursday of that week,
I have not received the VFX shotsthat I require to lock everything into
a completely finished film. I'm stillwaiting for that, so I've had to
readjust somewhat, and I find myselfrecording a show instead. I do have
(13:48):
other projects I can jump into ifa problem comes up, So maybe it's
worth having little side projects that youcan use as fillers if someone else throws
you're scheduling off. The last pointthere was to evaluate and adjust your time
blocking system if it needs to adapt, And that's kind of all my notes
I've got written down. I'll justsum up here by saying, the key
(14:11):
to effective time blocking is to createthat structured routine I've been talking about create
one that supports your goals though,and helps you to manage your time more
efficiently. Just believe me when Isay that by dedicating specific time blocks to
different tasks and activities that you've gotgoing on, you will effectively enhance your
(14:33):
focus. You'll be able to prioritizemore effectively, and you will make steady
progress towards your objectives. And asI said a minute ago, the true
power of time blocking also lies incustomizing it to suit your own preferences and
your own work style. So experimentwith different time blocking durations, see what
works best for you, see whenyour best, and adapt it to your
(14:56):
specific needs and fine tune your approachto it over time to optimize your productivity.
It's the name of the show,so bear it in mind. And
so here we are again. We'vepassed the midpoint of season eleven and I
think it's going pretty well. Andsomeone did ask about sponsoring episodes on social
media recently. I might put outsponsorship for this one, but the reason
(15:18):
I haven't put them out for theprevious six episodes is because I had this.
I had run this crowdfunder for theTraveler. The short film that I
shot in January, and because Ihave still not completely that there's been a
fifteen sixteen week delay because of someproblems with v effects. Actually more like
a it's more like a seven weekdelay, six week delay. Because there
(15:41):
was a time frame it was meantto be done within, its went past
it. It's not something I cancontrol. And because that film project's not
completed and I had raised money throughcrowdfunding for that, I have not asked
for anyone to support a new projectto mind until that one is and they
can. But I'm hoping by thetime this one is out that it will
have a sponsor. So if there'sa sponsor on the front of this one,
(16:03):
thank you very very much. I'mjust uncomfortable seeking more money through crowdfunding
until I've delivered on that last projectbasically, And let me just say that
if you're enjoying the show, youdon't necessarily need to engage with me on
social media because I have discovered,although i'd like you too, i'd like
to get feedback through social media.I have discovered through running a test on
(16:26):
Twitter, and it's something I'd longsuspected that social media promotion it's a lot
of old garbage. I ran atest thing which I asked a simple question
with a yes no answer, andonly zero point two six percent of the
people that followed film pro Prod podon Twitter even clicked it. And if
(16:47):
I was to say that maybe zeropoint two six percent of the zero point
two six that I got might actuallygo on to listen to it, I
think that would be fairly accurate.So I'll be lucky with any one post
that I put out to may mepossibly get one new listener. So I've
started focusing my efforts elsewhere. Whatyou can do, however, to help
out the show is and I'm justfeeding you that information gives us a productivity
(17:08):
show, and I'd like you toknow that, you know, with something
that's not bringing in money, apodcast does not make money. Whoever,
unless you're Joe Rogan, of coursehe's doing alreaty of it. But yeah,
I don't waste your time on socialmedia promotion. I've been putting my
efforts elsewhere, and I've actually tentimes the audience since at the start of
the season, and so I thinkepisode four of this season has gone out
(17:30):
at the point that I'm recording thiswill bear that in mine. But if
you're enjoying the show, what alot rather you did is leave a leave
a review for it on Apple Podcasts. That's the best thing that you could
do to help the show along.If you like it, please do that.
Of course, subscribe and talk aboutit to other people would be good
as well, but that's what I'masking for it. And if you've not
got Apple, jump onto the Facebookgroup at film pro Productivity on Facebook and
(17:52):
you can leave a review on there. Anyway, enough of that, please
do try out time block. There'sa little bit of a call to action
for you. Just put a littlebit of a structure in one day and
see if you can stick to itand see what difference it makes to your
life. I'll tell you it'll makea hell of a difference if you make
it work for you. In nextweek's show, though, I'm going to
(18:15):
be talking about the problem solving principleof Acam's Razors, So tune in for
that one same time next week.In the meantime though that we end with
some words from William Penn who saidtime it's what we want most, but
what we use worst. Now takecontrol of your own destiny. Keep on
(18:37):
shooting and join me next time onFilm Pro Productivity and Success And yeah,
there you go. That was theend of the show. The music you're
listening to right now his Adventures bywhomts U nearly forgot what I was doing
there. You can view these shownotes for this episode the full show notes
(19:00):
only on the official website at filmpro Productivity dot com. Please go check
it out. You can follow thempersonal accounts on Twitter and Instagram at Fight,
Underscore director and I think they're thesame on oh threads, Yeah that's
the new and threads or listen orcheck it on Facebook as well Film Pro
Productivity. Anyway, please continue tosupport the show, subscribe, spread the
word and all that catch you soon.
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