Time blocking is all about focus. To stay on task during each block, I like to use a simple Pomodoro timer (Right now I use Be Focused ). Having your remaining time visible can be a huge motivator and also help ...

Want to see some real-world examples of schedules designed for focus? Check out our guide to setting up a work scheduled designed for sustained attention .

• Place buffers in between tasks. We all have what's called "Attention residue" after completing a task that can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to get over. If you assume you can switch gears on the spot, you're going to end up frustrated and behind schedule.
• Schedule...

The first question you need to answer is: Why do you want to use time blocking?

Potential issues aside, time-blocking is still a powerful time management strategy . Especially when you see it as a framework for thinking about your day rather than a set of laws you can't break.

• It takes a lot of time and effort. Scheduling each minute of your day means... scheduling every minute of your day. It's a much more labor-intensive system than just writing out the 4 or 5 tasks you need to complete.
• Few of us (if any) have the same schedule every day.

As Deep Work author Cal Newport writes :

Here's how you can use time blocking to make the most of the time you have each day.

Again, how Brad blocked out his time was based on his priority of spending time with his family. As Brad told us :

The human brain needs guardrails at work. Otherwise, we fall into what's known as Parkinson's Law:

This might sound like you're turning your calendar into a chaotic mess. However, it can actually have the opposite effect. When you fill your calendar with the tasks and things you want to do, it's harder for others to steal your time.