How to Manage Your Time With Eric Tivers (Part Two)

Summary

In this episode of 'How to ADHD', the host dives deep into the struggles of scheduling and time management. With insights from Eric Trivers, the video explores the importance of understanding how long tasks truly take, avoiding multiple calendars, and focusing on 'Important But Not Urgent' tasks. The host shares personal experiences, like underestimating time for video shoots and dog walks, and discusses strategies like block scheduling. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the value of doing less to achieve more, and prioritizing what matters most in order to avoid overwhelm.

Takeaways

• 😀 Finding out how long tasks actually take is crucial to sticking to a schedule.
• 😀 Underestimating the time it takes to complete tasks is common, especially for unfamiliar or multi-step tasks.
• 😀 Time is more limited than we realize, but understanding this can help in creating a better schedule.
• 😀 The best scheduling tool is the one you actually use, whether it's a digital calendar or a paper journal.
• 😀 Having multiple calendars can cause confusion and derail your scheduling efforts.
• 😀 It's important to focus on actual commitments first, such as appointments and deadlines, when creating your schedule.
• 😀 Block scheduling is effective for setting aside time for important but non-urgent tasks.
• 😀 Time for transitions between tasks should be built into your schedule to avoid stress and inefficiency.
• 😀 Saying no to things and focusing on what truly matters can help reduce overwhelm and increase productivity.
• 😀 You don't need to complete everything on your to-do list; prioritize what's important and let go of the rest.
• 😀 Tools like Toggl can help track how much time is spent on projects, which is useful for improving time management.

Q & A

Why is it important to understand how long tasks actually take?

Understanding how long tasks take is crucial because it helps you create a realistic schedule. Without this knowledge, you are likely to underestimate the time needed, leading to frustration and disorganization, especially when tasks involve multiple steps or unexpected delays.

What is the 'Important But Not Urgent' (IBNU) concept mentioned in the script?

The 'Important But Not Urgent' concept refers to tasks that are significant for long-term progress but not immediate. Eric suggests that these tasks, like meditation or exercise, should be scheduled because they are often neglected despite their importance.

Why does Eric emphasize using a single calendar system?

Eric emphasizes using a single calendar system because having multiple calendars can lead to confusion and errors. By consolidating everything into one calendar, you avoid the risk of missing or forgetting appointments or tasks due to cross-referencing between multiple systems.

What is block scheduling and how does it help in time management?

Block scheduling involves allocating specific blocks of time on your calendar for particular tasks, including both important activities and necessary transitions. This method helps ensure focused work periods and reduces the risk of overcommitting.

How should you decide what to keep or drop from your schedule?

Eric suggests focusing on the things you want to grow. For example, if your main priority is building your channel, you might have to let go of less urgent activities, like gardening or adventurous activities, in order to make room for your primary goals.

What role does time estimation play in productivity, according to the script?

Time estimation is critical for managing expectations and productivity. The script illustrates that when tasks are not accurately estimated, people tend to overcommit or rush, leading to stress and missed deadlines. Accurately timing your tasks helps you prioritize effectively.

Why does Eric recommend giving yourself extra time between activities?

Eric recommends padding your schedule with extra time between activities to account for transitions and unforeseen delays. This buffer helps reduce stress and allows for smoother changes between tasks without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

How can productivity paradoxes impact time management?

Productivity paradoxes, like 'less is more,' suggest that doing fewer things with more focus can lead to greater progress. Trying to do too many things at once can actually hinder your ability to complete tasks on time, causing stress and frustration.

What did Eric learn about time management through his personal experience?

Eric learned that he consistently underestimates how long tasks will take, especially for new or complex activities. This realization helped him become more aware of how time is spent and encouraged him to plan with more realistic expectations.

What tool does Eric recommend for tracking time spent on projects, and why?

Eric recommends using Toggl, a time-tracking tool, to keep track of how much time is spent on different tasks. He finds it helpful for ensuring that projects don't overrun and for gaining better insight into how his time is spent, which can inform better planning and decision-making.