Working with time blocks for creative people: the key to development and assertiveness.

Working on website and graphic design projects is quite a complex process and you need to approach it well. It is best to imagine it as a multi-stage and long-term task.

This way of thinking will help you create a more positive narrative in your head. It will also help you avoid getting overwhelmed by expectations of instant results and thus pushing yourself into self-critical thinking, which definitely blocks creativity and thus closes the way to the efficient start, execution and completion of a project.

Moreover, it is also a good solution for people who struggle with various forms of ADHD.

"If you think you can, you're right, and if you think you can't, you're also right" - Henry Ford.

What definitely helps in the creative process and in implementing successful projects? Of course, good and effective work organization.

There is nothing more banal than the above statement, so I will move on to specific solutions.

What is time blocking?

Time blocking, or dividing the day into specific blocks of time for specific tasks, is a time management method that can be extremely useful for creative people. It gives us more control over our time, which translates into better productivity and job satisfaction.

Why is time blocking ideal for creative people?

Single-Task Focus: Time blocks allow you to focus on one task without distraction. This is especially important for creative people who often have many ideas and can easily get lost.
Burnout Prevention: Regular breaks from work, which are part of a time-blocking system, help avoid overload and burnout.
Development of discipline: By planning and following a schedule, we develop discipline and the ability to manage our time.
Increased productivity: By eliminating distractions and focusing on the most important tasks, we accomplish more in less time.

How to start working with time blocks?

Analyze your tasks: Consider what tasks you need to complete and how much time you need for each one.
Creating a schedule: Divide your day into time blocks, assigning a specific task to each one.
Be flexible: Remember that the schedule is just a guideline. Don't be afraid to modify it if necessary.
Set priorities: Start with the most important tasks first and leave less urgent tasks for later.
Take breaks: Regular breaks are essential to staying focused and productive.

Time blocking and personal development

Working with time blocks is not only a tool for increasing productivity, but also a way for personal development. Thanks to it:

We learn to set goals and priorities.
We develop time management skills.
We increase our independence and responsibility.
We are becoming more assertive

Assertiveness and time blocking

Assertiveness is the ability to express your needs and opinions in a way that respects others. Working with time blocks helps us develop this trait because:

We learn to say “no”: When we have a set schedule, it is easier for us to say no to additional tasks that could disrupt our plans.
We learn to talk about our needs: Thanks to time blocking, we become more aware of our needs related to time and work.
We learn to respect our time: When we are aware that our time is valuable, it is easier for us to protect it from unnecessary activities.

Summary

Time blocking is a great tool for creative people who want to increase their productivity, develop their personality and become more assertive. Thanks to this method, we gain more control over our time, which translates into better well-being and achieving goals.

Want to learn more about time blocking? Ask me about specific aspects of this method, like how to adapt it to your work style or what tools can help you with it.

Below is a sample schedule for the day:

To create a schedule that will be most effective for you, please provide some additional information:

Your professional profile: What is your profession or what do you do on a daily basis? Does your job require a lot of creativity or is it more focused on details?
Your goals: What do you want to achieve with this schedule? Do you want to be more productive, find more time for hobbies, or maybe better organize your private life?
Your preferences: What times are you most productive? Do you need long or short breaks? Do you have any rituals that help you focus (e.g. meditation, coffee)?
Your constraints: Do you have any obligations that you need to fit into your schedule (e.g. childcare, meetings)?

Sample schedule (customizable):

Let's say you're a graphic designer who works from home and wants to have more time to paint.

7:00-8:00: Wake up, toilet, exercise, meditation, healthy breakfast

8:00-12:00: Working on client projects

12:00-13:00: Lunch break and a short walk

13:00-16:00: Working on my own projects, painting

16:00-17:00: Rest, reading a book

17:00-19:00: Meeting with friends, hobbies

19:00-22:00: Time for yourself, relaxation - rewarding activities throughout the day

Remember, this is just an example. Your schedule should be adjusted to your individual work and life style and energy levels during the day. This is always very individual and unusual, so the first step towards this type of action is planning, observing and modifying.

Additional tips:

Be flexible: A schedule is a tool, not a hard and fast rule. Don't be afraid to change it if you need to.
Start small: Don't try to change everything at once. Make changes gradually.
Reward yourself: When you achieve your goals, reward yourself for your work.
Use apps: There are many apps that can help you create and manage your schedule.

There are many digital tools that can help you with this.

Here are some popular options:

Digital calendars:

Google Calendar: This is the most popular solution that allows you to create events, reminders, and also integrate with other Google tools. You can create recurring events (e.g. daily walks, weekly meetings) and divide the calendar into different categories (work, family, hobbies).
Outlook Calendar: If you use Microsoft 365, Outlook Calendar is a great option. It offers similar features to Google Calendar, as well as integration with other Microsoft tools.
Apple Calendar: For Apple device users, this is a natural choice. Calendar is integrated with other Apple apps, making it easy to manage your time.

Task management apps:

Todoist: This is a versatile app that lets you create to-do lists, projects, and reminders. You can assign tasks due dates, priorities, and tags.
Trello: This is a board-based tool that lets you visualize your tasks. You can create different columns, such as "To Do," "In Progress," "Done."
Asana: This is a more advanced tool that is great for managing team projects. You can create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress.

Specialized time management applications:

Toggl: This is an app that lets you track the time you spend on specific tasks, so you can identify where you’re actually spending your time.
RescueTime: This tool automatically tracks which apps and websites you spend the most time on, helping you identify potential distractions.

What to choose?

The choice of tool depends on your individual preferences and needs. Consider the following aspects:

Functionality: Do you just need a calendar or more advanced features like project management?
Integration: Do you want the tool to integrate with other apps you already use?
Platform: Do you prefer web, mobile, or desktop applications?
Price: Some tools are paid, others offer free versions with limited features.

Tip: Try a few different tools to find the one that best suits your work style.

Additional tips:

Set clear goals: Before you start using a tool, define what you want to achieve with it.
Be consistent: Update your schedule regularly and track your progress.
Don't overdo it: Overcomplicating your time management system can be overwhelming. Choose simple solutions that are easy to implement.

Here are some ideas for combining digital and traditional tools:

Digital calendar as your master planner: Use it to schedule meetings, appointments, and important events. By syncing with other devices, you'll always have access to your schedule.
Paper planner as a detailed notebook: Here you can write down detailed information about individual tasks, ideas, and also keep a gratitude journal.
Corkboard as a visualization: Create a mind map or a list of tasks you want to accomplish in the near future on the board. This will give you constant insight into your goals.
A notes app as a quick record: When a new idea comes to mind, quickly jot it down on your phone, then transfer it to your planner or calendar later.

Sample scenario:

Morning: You check your digital calendar to see what tasks await you today.
While you work: You use a paper planner to detail individual tasks and track your progress.
Evening: You write down your reflections about the past day in your journal and plan the next one.
Weekly: You update your corkboard by adding new tasks and deleting those that have been completed.

How to choose the best combination for yourself?

Experiment: Try different combinations of tools and methods until you find what works best for you.
Start small: Don't make all the changes at once. Start with one tool and gradually add others.
Be flexible: Your planning system should adapt to your needs and changing circumstances.

Remember that the most important thing is that the planning system is convenient and effective for you.

Connecting the digital and traditional worlds

If you want to combine the strengths of these two approaches! This can really increase the effectiveness of your planning.

I suggest you the following system:

Digital calendar (e.g. Google Calendar):

Overarching agenda: All important meetings, appointments, birthdays, holidays – anything that requires synchronization with other people or repeats on a regular basis.
Time Blocks: Designate blocks of time for specific tasks or activities (e.g., "Work on project X," "Family time").
Reminders: Set reminders for important events well in advance.

Paper planner (e.g. bullet journal):

Detailed tasks: Here you write down exactly what you need to do on a given day or week.
To-do lists: Create to-do lists by crossing out tasks as they are completed.
Notes: Jot down ideas, inspirations, and reflections about your day.
Habit tracking: You can create a habit tracker, which is a calendar where you mark whether you have completed certain activities (e.g. exercise, reading).

Cork board:

Choose the best board option for you, it can be cork, for sticking notes or, for example, for writing with chalk or markers, whatever you like.

Goal visualization: Stick your most important goals on a board so you always have them in front of your eyes.
Projects in Progress: Create columns for project milestones and move task cards around to track progress.

Notes app:

Quick notes: When a new idea comes to mind, quickly jot it down on your phone so you don't forget it.
Shopping Lists: Create a shopping list and add items to it on the fly.

How to put it all together?

Sync: Make sure your most important information is entered into both your digital calendar and paper planner.
Regular Updates: Take a few minutes each day to review your plan and make any necessary changes.
Flexibility: Remember that plans are subject to change. Be prepared to adjust your schedule to new situations.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different combinations and tools until you find what works best for you.

Sample scenario for the week:

Sunday: You plan your week in the digital calendar and create a to-do list in the planner.
Monday: You check your calendar in the morning to see what's coming up. You use your planner and corkboard while you work. In the evening, you write down your reflections in a journal.
Tuesday-Thursday: You repeat the activities from Monday, adapting them to your current needs.
Friday: You review your week and plan your weekend.

Proposal of a planning system with an emphasis on practical implementation

Based on the information provided so far, I propose the following system:

Tools:

Google Calendar: As your main calendar for scheduling meetings, appointments, and blocks of time for various activities.
Paper planner (bullet journal or regular notebook): For detailing tasks, making lists, and tracking progress.
Cork or whiteboard: For visualizing long-term goals and current projects.
Notes app (e.g. Evernote, Notion): For collecting ideas, articles, and other materials that might be useful at work.

Implementation:

Creating a weekly overview:
- On Sunday evening, spend about 30 minutes reviewing the coming week.
- Mark all important meetings and deadlines on your Google Calendar.
- In a paper planner, create a list of the most important tasks to accomplish each day.
- Place your long-term goals and current projects on a cork board.
Daily routine:
- In the morning, check your Google calendar and paper planner to see what you need to do.
- Focus on one task at a time, checking it off in your planner as you complete it.
- Check your corkboard regularly to stay motivated and keep your eyes on your goals.
- In the evening, take a few minutes to summarize your day and plan the next one.
Flexibility:
- Be prepared for change. Not everything will always go according to plan.
- Review your system regularly and make any necessary modifications.

Additional tips:

The Pomodoro Method: Divide your tasks into 25-minute blocks of work with short breaks.
The two-minute technique: If a task will take you less than two minutes, do it right away.
Delegation: If possible, delegate some of your tasks.
Rest: Remember to take regular breaks and time for yourself.

Remember that the most important thing is that the planning system is enjoyable and motivating for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and make your own modifications.

Good luck and best regards

Małgosia from Milimetriks