Time blocking doesn’t work for everyone. I know this is popular with all the productivity gurus, as a self-proclaimed guru here is your permission to toss it in the bin.
Time blocking is always presented as the ultimate productivity solution, but what if it just doesn’t work for you. Then you feel like you failed, and you will never get this time management thing figured out. The only thing left to do it is to eat chocolate and drink coffee in your room while pondering what a failure you are. Right? Asking for a friend.
Just because something works for your best friend, sister, or random internet stranger doesn’t mean it will work for you. And it not working for you doesn’t mean you are a failure or you will never have a productive day.
It is ok if a popular idea, that seems to work for the whole internet, doesn’t work for you. Or if that popular idea fits you well, then keep doing it.
While time blocking is presented as the best productivity solution that doesn’t mean it is for you. Let’s shed some light on time blocking, and explore other alternatives that will work for you to maximize your productivity.
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What is Time Blocking
If we are going to be discussing a topic, we need to make sure we are using the same dictionary. Before we debunk time blocking, let’s talk about what it is.
Time blocking is a productivity tool where you divide your day into distinct blocks of time, and you assign specific tasks or activities to accomplish during this time.
You allocate dedicated time slots for different types of work, which allows you to focus on one task at a time without distractions.
The idea is that you increase your productivity because you are providing structure to your day and reducing the temptation to multitask. It sets clear boundaries on your time, so you can prioritize instead of wasting time on trivial tasks. We are all about getting all the things done.
This sounds perfect, right? Sign me up. Now I just need to figure out what to do with my kids.
Is Time Blocking Good for Work from Home Mom Jobs
We are moms. We are juggling our work from home mom jobs and homeschooling our kids. This is the reason time blocking doesn’t work. If you are a mom of more than one kid, you are dealing with interruptions all the time. You can’t avoid it. It is part of what we do.
We have to multitask. Are we going to tell our toddlers to wait to use the bathroom because our time blocking doesn’t have them scheduled yet? Of course not. Or tell our school age children we can’t help them with a problem because we are focusing on a specific task without distractions. Again, of course, not.
Yes, you could time block out the hours you need for school, but your kids don’t always need your help. So you would be sitting there doing nothing during that time.
We work and school in the same room. Some of my kids do homeschool online, others use textbooks. This lets me keep an eye on what’s happening while still being available to help them. Most of the time they don’t need my help or it is a quick question. But there are interruptions throughout the day.
I have kids, time blocking isn’t a solution for my work from home mom job and homeschooling.
Alternatives to Time Blocking
I know when everyone is buzzing with the amazingness of time blocking, it can leave you asking what am I doing wrong? Let’s flip that question around and ask, why is time blocking wrong for you?
The idea of large chunks of time to really focus on one things sounds amazing. But reality is that I have multiple grades to homeschool and it isn’t going to happen.
Yes, I get up before everyone else does, so I can write a post like this. But it is usually only about 45 minutes that I get.
If time blocking doesn’t work for the busy mom, then what does work? We need to be productive too and get things done. How do we do it?
1. Create a Routine
This is always my go to. When I finally figured it out, it was like hearing the angels sing. It just worked. The idea behind creating is a routine is setting up repeated formulas that happen throughout the day.
This helped to set mundane tasks on autopilot, which frees up creative brain space. Your kids know what to do next, so eliminates many reminders. It sets your day up for success.
Whether you create a morning routine or a routines throughout the day, this is how you crush at time management for moms who work from home.
2. Task Batching
This involves working on similar tasks together. When I worked in an office (read more about my journey from office to home) I used this method often.
Basically, you work on similar tasks one right after the other. This helps to keep you in zone and focused. You take advantage of the momentum gained instead of slowing down because your brain needs to switch to something else.
My brain is always switching, it is the nature of what I do. This doesn’t work quite as well for me now.
3. To Do List
Work off your to do list. Write it in pencil, so you can easily move things around. Create a get things done list for the week, and work on them throughout the week.
I use this method, combined with my routines, to accomplish a lot stuff throughout the week.
Finding the Right Time Management Solutions for You
Finding the right time management solution for you is going to take experimentation, self-reflection, and a willingness to adapt.
Take a moment to free yourself from the shackles of what Instagram is telling you that you must do. Now, ask yourself what will work for you. Routine were like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but maybe something else is your leprechaun.
Try it out. I suggest trying something for a month and start small. It is hard to start something new, especially if you have a large crew that needs to adjust too. Start small with something like a morning routine. That’s it. Start with the first 2-3 hours of the day and find your groove.
Experiment with what you are doing. Write down what’s working and what isn’t in a notebook because we all know that notebooks solve all our problems. Adjust and refine as you go along.
By the end of the month, you should know what is working and what needs to be refined. Make your adjustments and keep building the second month.
Remember, this is all about what works for you. I know what really worked for me, and that’s why I’m sharing it with you. But you are unique, your work and school is also unique, so adapt these suggestions to how you want to work and school.
Conclusion: Demystifying Time Blocking
I know time blocking gets all the credit for increased productivity, but there are other ways to manage your time and day. The important thing is to find what works for you.
If you want to take a deeper dive into creating a routine, then check out the course I created. Yes, it worked so well for us that I made a course. Don’t worry, it isn’t expensive because I want to make it easy for you to reap all the benefits or creating a routine instead of time blocking.
FAQ: Demystifying Time Blocking and Finding Alternatives
Q: What is time blocking?
A: Time blocking is a productivity technique where you divide your day into designated blocks of time for specific tasks. This method aims to help you focus on one task at a time and reduce distractions.
Q: Why doesn’t time blocking work for everyone?
A: Time blocking is great in theory, but it may not work for everyone, especially moms who have to juggle work, homeschooling, and constant interruptions. Life with kids is unpredictable, and adhering to rigid blocks of time can sometimes be unrealistic.
Q: What are the alternatives to time blocking?
A: If time blocking doesn’t work for you, consider alternatives like:
- Creating a Routine: Establish repeated daily routines that help automate mundane tasks and reduce decision fatigue.
- Task Batching: Group similar tasks together to stay in the zone and avoid frequent switching between different types of work.
- Using a To Do List: Write down your tasks, preferably in pencil, to allow flexibility throughout the week.
Q: How can I create an effective routine?
A: Start small. Focus on setting routines for the first 2-3 hours of your day, and gradually adjust as needed. Routines help eliminate the need for constant decision making and free up mental space, which can be especially helpful when managing both work and homeschooling.
Q: What is task batching, and how can it help me?
A: Task batching is when you group similar tasks together to work on them consecutively. This helps maintain focus and momentum, rather than switching between different types of work. It’s a good alternative for those who find it hard to stick to rigid schedules.
Q: How do I know what productivity method is right for me?
A: Finding the right method involves experimentation and self-reflection. Give yourself permission to try different approaches, like routines or batching, for a month and track what works best. Adjust as needed based on your unique work and homeschooling situation.
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