The *Huge* Problem With Timeblocking: What I Do Instead

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of aligning our work schedules with our natural energy cycles, rather than strictly adhering to time blocking methods that may not account for individual energy fluctuations. It introduces the concept of 'biological prime time,' the period of the day when one is most alert and energetic. The speaker suggests prioritizing tasks based on their demand and scheduling them during peak hours, while relegating lower-priority tasks to less energetic times. The script also touches on the drawbacks of time blocking, such as the potential for feeling like a failure when plans don't go as scheduled and the risk of overworking at the expense of rest and leisure. Additionally, it highlights the use of technology, like Apple's Focus modes, to minimize distractions during peak productivity periods. The speaker advocates for taking breaks that allow the brain to recharge and for a balanced approach to productivity that values quality over quantity, ultimately arguing for a more personalized and sustainable method of managing energy and time.

Takeaways

• 📅 Time blocking may not account for natural energy fluctuations throughout the day, which can lead to feelings of failure when plans don’t align with reality.
• 🧠 Understanding and leveraging your biological Prime Time, when you're most alert and focused, can help you work more effectively.
• 🌆 Recognize that your peak productivity times may not be in the morning and can vary from person to person.
• 📈 Prioritize tasks based on their demand and your energy levels, doing the most demanding tasks during your peak times and less demanding tasks outside of them.
• 🚫 Avoid multitasking and switching tasks frequently, as it can lead to a significant loss of focus and momentum.
• 📱 Utilize technology, such as Focus Modes on Apple devices, to minimize distractions and maintain concentration during peak productivity hours.
• 🧘 Take breaks that are low in cognitive stimulation to allow your brain to recharge effectively.
• 🎨 Allow creative tasks to evolve over time rather than rushing against the clock for quantity, which can compromise quality.
• 🤔 Be mindful of the quality of your work over the quantity, as the obsession with productivity can be detrimental to well-being and lead to decreased productivity in the long run.
• 🌟 Embrace a balanced life that values well-being and fulfillment over an unattainable standard of productivity.
• 🛠️ Stick with productivity tools that work for you and avoid the constant chase for new apps that claim to be game changers unless there's a significant improvement.

Q & A

What does the term 'biological Prime Time' refer to?

Biological Prime Time refers to the period of the day when a person is most alert, focused, and full of energy due to their cognitive abilities being at their peak during this time.

Why might time blocking not be effective for everyone?

Time blocking might not be effective for everyone because it doesn't account for variations in energy levels and cognitive abilities throughout the day, which can differ from person to person.

How does the speaker determine their own prime time for high energy tasks?

The speaker identifies their prime time by recognizing when they feel the most sharp and clear during the day, and schedules their high energy tasks such as creative work and important meetings during those hours.

What are some lower effort tasks that the speaker suggests doing outside of one's prime time?

The speaker suggests doing lower effort tasks like checking emails, accounting, going to the gym, and attending non-critical meetings or classes outside of their prime time.

How does the speaker prioritize tasks during their biological prime time?

The speaker assigns tasks a priority level from one to three, with one being the most important and demanding. During their biological prime time, they only work on Priority One tasks.

What is the issue with receiving notifications during a state of flow?

Receiving notifications during a state of flow can be highly disruptive, as studies show that switching tasks leads to a significant loss of focus and it takes a considerable amount of time to regain that focus.

How does the Apple ecosystem help the speaker manage notifications during their work hours?

The speaker uses Focus modes in the Apple ecosystem, which automatically switches their device to work mode during their peak hours, allowing only certain notifications through, silencing personal email, and turning off distracting apps.

What is the downside of taking a break by scrolling through social media?

The downside of taking a break by scrolling through social media is that it provides a false sense of rest, as the brain is still being stimulated with dopamine, which can leave a person more tired and less focused.

Why does the speaker advocate for longer, more relaxed time frames for creative tasks?

The speaker advocates for longer, more relaxed time frames for creative tasks because it allows for ideas to evolve and mature, often leading to higher quality work and preventing the pressure of racing against the clock.

What is the speaker's view on the current societal obsession with productivity?

The speaker believes that the societal obsession with productivity, which often prioritizes quantity over quality, is counterproductive and harmful to mental health and well-being. They argue for a balanced life and working in harmony with natural energy cycles.

How does the speaker feel about frequently changing productivity apps?

The speaker sees frequent changes in productivity apps as a waste of time and prefers to stick with what works for them. They only consider changing if there is a significantly better option available.