Time Management: Work in half hour blocks

I read something with interest yesterday about a different kind of time management. Not the usual do this don't do that. But do whatever it is you are doing for a half hour without stopping or thinking about anything else. So if you are working on a particular project, then go all out for half an hour. No checking emails, no surfing the Internet. No fetching a glass of water or biscuit to aid concentration - but start and don't stop for half an hour.

So I tried it yesterday and I have to say my productivity went up quite dramatically.

Why? well I can only speculate, but it seems to me that we are all prone to distractions and dislike of certain tasks - but if you know you are only going to be working on something for half an hour before you can have a break from it, well anyone can work for half an hour without stopping can't they?

If you are stuck trying to motivate yourself to do whatever is on your task list, set yourself a half hour limit and go for it. Once that half hour is up, choose another task and do that for half an hour. Intersperse working on a project with a half an hour of cleaning. Write for half an hour then go for a walk. Simple technique, yet one that works.

Comments

[Lisa Salem]

This is a great post! Thank you for sharing. I have tried this technique and it really does increase your productivity. It also gives me the feeling that I've accomplished something that day and lightened my workload as I checked things off my to do list.

I work with multiple clients and it really helps to block their tasks like this. I get more done for them each day, and they are thrilled! Prioritizing is key, of course.

[Elle]

Thanks Lisa, it does really make a difference to your productivity and output doesn't it.
Elle

[Steve]

I have been trying to find the website that had this same time management incorporated with a computer program. Is this the one you are writing about? It is supposed to help with procrastination as well. Could you please let me know whether or not this is the one I have been searching for the last 2 weeks. Thanks, Steve