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I've had some success with time blocking (which I usually do by Google searching for "30 min timer"). But I'm curious what you do about asynchronous interrupts?

I've had some success with time blocking (which I usually do by Google searching for "30 min timer"). But I'm curious what you do about asynchronous interrupts? e.g. you block out your morning carefully, then 1h into things a guy you called three weeks ago to ask if he would estimate for painting your fence shows up and wants to spend 30min looking at the job asking questions. Now your time blocks are scattered to the wind. I find in my life that interrupts of this nature are quite frequent. Almost every day. (and: no you can't ask the painter dude to schedule a time next week. He'll never show up).

mariebks 5y ago
Check out the app Sorted on iOS (not sure if on Android). You can set all your tasks for the day and all their lengths (great for timeblocking), a default buffer between each task, and then autoschedule all the tasks throughout the day. If one gets interrupted, you can re-schedule them for the rest of the day after a certain time.
rg111 5y ago
I suggest that you read the related chapter from Cal Newport's book. That would be helpful in understanding more about timeblocking. Daytime is the worst time for focused work- in my personal experience. Either go deep into the night or wake up really early. Or any time when you cannot expect interruption. Focused work also works best when you have someone looking out for you- could be a partner or parents when you are young. I take those responsibilities in the house that have clear, regular timings. Even if they are harder. I combine timeblocking + pomodoro, so I get breaks. I walk, drink water. I never read or pick up my smartphone. Whether you are at work or at home, you have to be vigilant about 2-3 hours of focused, isolated work. You have to carve the time out. You know better about your situation. So I will leave that to you. Don't do meetings, or open emails, or browse social media in this time. I was never able to go beyond 6 hours of very productive, innovative time. That was the peak. The usual looks like 1.5-2 hours per day. It also does not have to be a big chunk. The time can be divided into two. But don't do more. And, I will also state the obvious- no matter how much time is gone from your block, do the rest honestly. Be vigilant about it. Do not be a time-use purist. That harmed me a lot when I was in HS. I would plan to spend 4 hours on something, and if one hour were gone, I would do none of the rest 4. Don't be like that.

mariebks 5y ago

Check out the app Sorted on iOS (not sure if on Android). You can set all your tasks for the day and all their lengths (great for timeblocking), a default buffer between each task, and then autoschedule all the tasks throughout the day. If one gets interrupted, you can re-schedule them for the rest of the day after a certain time.

rg111 5y ago

I suggest that you read the related chapter from Cal Newport's book. That would be helpful in understanding more about timeblocking. Daytime is the worst time for focused work- in my personal experience. Either go deep into the night or wake up really early. Or any time when you cannot expect interruption. Focused work also works best when you have someone looking out for you- could be a partner or parents when you are young. I take those responsibilities in the house that have clear, regular timings. Even if they are harder. I combine timeblocking + pomodoro, so I get breaks. I walk, drink water. I never read or pick up my smartphone. Whether you are at work or at home, you have to be vigilant about 2-3 hours of focused, isolated work. You have to carve the time out. You know better about your situation. So I will leave that to you. Don't do meetings, or open emails, or browse social media in this time. I was never able to go beyond 6 hours of very productive, innovative time. That was the peak. The usual looks like 1.5-2 hours per day. It also does not have to be a big chunk. The time can be divided into two. But don't do more. And, I will also state the obvious- no matter how much time is gone from your block, do the rest honestly. Be vigilant about it. Do not be a time-use purist. That harmed me a lot when I was in HS. I would plan to spend 4 hours on something, and if one hour were gone, I would do none of the rest 4. Don't be like that.