How this simple productivity technique changed my life!

Hey guys! I am a doctor and a future psychiatrist and still I cannot tell you the days I have spent getting nothing to done, being excited about the upcoming holiday so I can face all my tasks head on only for the holiday to pass and having got nothing done. 

I laugh when I talk about this, but it was painful. My mind would feel guilty about having fun and could never relax because I did not do what I had initially planned. There was also this feeling of loss of control. This is a common symptom in people in the ADHD spectrum or people who struggle with executive functioning but regardless, if you want to manage your time better, Save this!

While it has been a work in progress, I love this. 

🕒This simple technique that I use every day: Time Blocking! 🚀

Hey there, fellow time-struggler! Are you tired of going through the day without getting things done? Initially I would see the whole day as a single continuum and did not get the urgency to get something done by a certain time and then it would be 4 pm, and I was still at square one. 🙁 This is not a rigid dictatorship schedule but actually a method to help you set realistic goals in a time frame, so you can use the rest of your day to be spontaneous.  

 It’s time to take control of our schedule and skyrocket our productivity so we not only achieve our goals but live life 🙂

💪 Buckle up, because we’re about to dive in!

🎣 Let your mind know who the boss is. Imagine a world where you breeze through your tasks effortlessly, with a clear focus and a sense of accomplishment. With time blocking, you can turn this dream into a possible reality! By strategically planning your day and allocating specific blocks of time to your most important tasks, you’ll eliminate distractions and turbocharge your efficiency. 

🔑 Step 1: Prioritize like a Pro. 

The first step to successful time blocking is identifying your top priorities. Take a moment to reflect on your goals and objectives, both short-term and long-term. Once you have a clear vision, break them down into actionable tasks. Remember, the key is to be realistic and focus on what truly matters. (Set a specific limit for your doing this as well. Like if you have deadline coming, just figure out what is urgent and what is needed daily)

🔑 Step 2: Carve Out Your Time Blocks

Now that you know what deserves your attention, it’s time to map out your day. Grab a calendar or use a time management app—whatever suits your style—and start blocking off specific time periods for each task. Be sure to set aside uninterrupted time for deep work, as well as breaks for rest and rejuvenation. This way, you’ll maintain your energy and prevent burnout. 

So, on an off day – It would look like

7-8:15 : write in my journal twenty minutes, 20 minutes of treadmill at 7mph and have a bath.   

                  9-9:30: Reply to emails. More so now that I am a chief resident, there is normally more emails to reply too and I like to have a specific time for them, so I don’t look unprofessional but also, I am not getting constantly distracted.                            

10- 11:30: Work on my literature review (normally I break it down into clear things I want to achieve).                                                 12-1: cook and eat   and reply to any new emails.                                                                                                                                                 1:30- 3:30: Finish 1 hour video, I give myself another hour to write notes or review parts of it again.                                                              4-5:  Submitted the official documents for a legal appointment for something I had to do. 

6: allowed myself nothing to do, went out!!                              

🔑 Step 3: Protect Your Time Fortress

Once your time blocks are set, guard them with your life! Treat these blocks as sacred appointments with yourself, and resist the temptation to stray from your plan. Turn off notifications, find a quiet space, and let others know that you’re unavailable during those periods. By respecting your own boundaries, you empower yourself to stay focused and achieve more.

🔑 Step 4: Track, Tweak, Triumph

As you embark on your time blocking journey, keep track of your progress. Assess which tasks are taking longer than expected and adjust accordingly. Adapt your schedule to find the optimal rhythm that works for you. Remember, flexibility is key—life happens, and you might need to reshuffle blocks occasionally. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at refining your time management skills.

⚡Let me know on my YouTube how this was for you. Follow me for more! Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of time blocking, it’s time to take action! Don’t let another day slip away without making progress towards your goals. Grab your calendar, embrace time blocking, and experience the transformative power of productivity. Start small, build momentum, and witness the incredible results that await you.

Let’s build each other up! 🌟💥