In an age of constant notifications and endless to-do lists, it is easy to be “busy” without being productive. We often switch rapidly between tasks—answering an email, then writing a report, then checking a message. This context switching kills focus. The solution used by top performers like Elon Musk and Bill Gates is a method called time blocking.
Time blocking is the practice of planning your day in specific chunks of time. Instead of working from a reactive to-do list, you assign a specific time slot to every task. For example, you might schedule “Deep Work: Report Writing” from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and “Admin: Emails & Calls” from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Why does this work so well? First, it enforces “single-tasking.” When you know you have a dedicated block for emails later, you are less likely to check your inbox during your deep work session. It creates a psychological boundary that protects your focus.
Second, it combats Parkinson’s Law, which states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” If you give yourself all day to write an article, it will take all day. If you block out two hours, you are more likely to finish it in two hours.
To get started, review your tasks for the week. Group similar tasks together (batching) and assign them to blocks on your calendar. Be sure to include buffer times for breaks and unexpected interruptions. By controlling your schedule with time blocking, you move from chaos to clarity, ensuring your time is spent on what truly matters.
