Time Management
How Time Blocking Boosts Productivity and Balance
Hello everybody, I'm Dan Gazaway. Today, I want to share a powerful time management tool that has significantly boosted my productivity and balanced my busy life. This tool is called time blocking. As a coach working with student-athletes, I often see them juggling full schedules, including classes, homework, social life, relationships, NIL opportunities, games, and practices. Time blocking can not only enhance productivity but also reclaim valuable time.
What is Time Blocking?
Time blocking involves setting aside 15 to 90-minute segments to focus intensely on a single task. For instance, you might allocate 60 to 90 minutes for writing assignments, developing curriculum, or preparing for a speaking engagement. For shorter tasks like checking emails or responding to social media, 15 to 30-minute blocks work well. The key is to avoid distractions during these blocks to maximize efficiency.
Why Time Blocking Works
As many of you know, I have a full-time job and dedicate 15 hours weekly to pitching lessons, a practice I've maintained for the past 23 years. I'm also a mental skills coach for student-athletes and have a wife and three teenage daughters with busy schedules. Time blocking helps me stay organized and ensures I can attend as many of their games and events as possible.
How I Use Time Blocking
Here are some practical examples of how I use time blocking in my life:
1. Scheduling Pitching Lessons: Every Sunday morning, I block out one hour to schedule my pitching lessons for the week. I spend the first 15 minutes texting students I’ve taught in the past weeks, followed by 30 minutes responding to their messages to finalize the schedule. After this, I take a break and let any additional texts simmer. Later, I allocate another block of 30 to 45 minutes to finalize any remaining scheduling.
2. Social Media Management: I use time blocking to manage my social media presence effectively. Instead of getting distracted by endless scrolling, I pre-plan my posts for the week. I choose the pictures, prepare the content in advance, and then copy and paste from Microsoft Word to Instagram or Facebook. This approach allows me to post quickly and avoid getting caught up in others' activities.
3. Studying and Preparation: I also block time for studying, preparing for Sunday school lessons, or reading. By scheduling these activities, I ensure they get done without interfering with other responsibilities.
The Benefits of Time Blocking
Time blocking has helped me and many of my student-athletes maintain balance and productivity. By focusing on one task at a time and eliminating distractions, we find more time at the end of the day for other activities. This strategy is particularly beneficial for student-athletes managing academic, athletic, and personal commitments.
My Invitation to You
I invite you to try time blocking and see how it works for you. It's a simple yet effective method to enhance productivity and manage your time better. If you find it helpful, let me know! It has certainly made a difference for me and many of my student-athletes.
For more tips and strategies, click the link below, subscribe to my channel, like this video, and share it with anyone who could benefit from time blocking. Together, we can achieve more and lead balanced, productive lives.
Conclusion
Time blocking has been a game-changer for me. It’s a straightforward strategy that anyone can adopt to manage their time more effectively. Whether you’re a student-athlete with a packed schedule or someone looking to boost productivity, time blocking can help you achieve your goals. Give it a try, and see how much more you can accomplish with this powerful time management tool.
