Have you ever wondered how some people seem to get so much done in such a short amount of time? A client recently asked me this exact question, and while I’d love to say I’m always hyper-productive, the truth is that some days don’t go as planned.
However, when I stick to my time-blocking routine and prioritize what I call my BIG 3 tasks, everything changes. These strategies help me map out my days with intention, tackle the most important tasks first, and still leave room for life’s unexpected twists and distractions. Today, I’m sharing how these methods work for me and how they can help you create a more focused, productive, and fulfilling week.
What is Time-Blocking?
Time-blocking is a productivity technique that involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout your day. Instead of working from an endless to-do list, you assign each task a time slot on your calendar. This ensures your day is structured, your priorities are clear, and distractions are minimized. For me, it starts with my planner. I’m a pen-and-paper kind of gal, so mapping out my schedule in my planner is step one.
Then, I complement it with my Google Calendar, where I set reminders for:
- The day before
- One hour before
- Ten minutes before
I block everything in one-hour increments. While I used to schedule 30-minute blocks, I found that shorter time slots often left me feeling rushed and stressed. Giving myself more buffer time has allowed me to work with grace, ease, and aligned action.
Releasing the hustle mentality was a game-changer. I’ve stopped running around like my hair is on fire and embraced longer time blocks to work intentionally and avoid burnout.
The BIG 3: Focusing on What Matters Most
One of the most transformative habits I’ve developed is identifying my BIG 3 tasks every day. These are the three most important things I need to accomplish to keep my business moving forward. By focusing on just three tasks, I avoid overwhelm and maintain momentum.
Your BIG 3 might look different each day. For me, they often include:
- Designing a new resource for clients
- Preparing a presentation or blog post
- Following up with contacts or leads
This approach simplifies your workload and ensures you’re always tackling your top priorities.
Giving Yourself Grace
Even with the best-laid plans, life happens. Some days, I forget to write something down, need to reschedule an event, or get sidetracked and miss updating my calendar. And that’s okay.
The key is to give yourself grace. Progress—not perfection—is the goal. Time-blocking and focusing on my BIG 3 have helped me stay intentional and approach my schedule with clarity and ease.
Tools to Help You Stay on Track
If you’re ready to elevate your productivity, here are a few tools and tips to consider:
- A Reliable Planner: My planner is my lifeline. With 2025 approaching, I’m already searching for my next one. (Link to my favorite planner)
- Digital Calendar: Pair your planner with a digital calendar to set reminders and keep important details handy.
- Time for Reflection: At the end of each day, review what worked, what didn’t, and what you can adjust for tomorrow.
Ready to Start Your Week Strong?
Let’s make this week productive and intentional. Start by identifying your BIG 3 tasks for today and blocking out time to focus on them. Remember to give yourself enough time to work intentionally without feeling rushed. By adopting time-blocking and focusing on the BIG 3, you can transform your workdays and create more space for what truly matters. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with purpose and intention.
What’s one task you’re prioritizing today to kick off your week? I’d love to hear about it—drop it in the comments so we can cheer each other on!
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