Blocking time for more freedom
In Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf reminds Frodo, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” As if it’s just that simple!
Well, what if we told you it could be? Would you keep reading? Well then stick with us because when it comes to time management and living our best life, it is really less about having enough time and more about creating the time for what matters most to you. And as our high-achieving clients at upways.co will agree, time-blocking is one of the best ways they’ve found to set an intentional schedule that results in greater freedom!
HOW IT WORKS
Though the phrase sounds restrictive at first, it’s quite the opposite. You won’t feel tied down, held back or confined with time-blocking. In fact, with very few tweaks to your current schedule, this simple four-step process can have you off and running today. Or having lunch with a friend, or working out at the gym. Or grabbing cat naps mid-day. These steps take about 20-30 minutes. Here’s what you do:
Name your top five life priorities; your core life values. Write them down. It might be your faith, family, friends, career, or personal wellness. List your top five.
Next, bring out all of your calendars – the wall calendar that hangs in the kitchen, your Google work calendars, and all active schedules you currently track - for yourself and your family.
Now one-by-one, review each scheduled appointment on every calendar - every meeting, appointment, family activity and special event - and give it a yes or no as to whether it aligns with your top life values.
Cross out each no and keep each yes where it is. This is a first draft so don’t worry about scribbles and changes as you work towards your ideal schedule. This is a key part of the process. You’re moving towards a more intentional daily routine.
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?
Simply put, the time-blocking process aligns your daily activities with your core life values by intentionally and actively assigning priority time blocks for them on your calendar(s) - every day. And then ever so gradually the events and meetings that have little or nothing to do with your core values become replaced with the events and the people that do. It’s pretty epic!
“But my schedule’s already jam packed!” you might say. “I can’t possibly add more activities.” Here’s the trick: you’re not adding more tasks but rather shifting your mindset - so that your daily activities are now aligning with what matters most to you. The ultimate goal here is to merge all your calendars into one seamless schedule that aligns with your values. Review every commitment you have and give it a yes or a no. A stay or a go.
And as I said before, this is a gradual process you can ease yourself and your family into. No major life upheavals required. We’re big believers in baby steps at upways, and our clients know they work. And as your daily activities start to sync with your core life values, you’ll start to notice more joy and less stress - a greater freedom and more quality time to your days.
When it comes to improving your day-to-day outlook and truly shifting your attitude, time-blocking is one of the most transformative tools used by millions of high-achievers worldwide. If you decide to give this process a try, you’ll soon be feeling more focused and free like the rest of us. Carpe diem!
