#time blocking

When it comes to productivity, two of the most popular planning methods are time-blocking and to-do lists. But which one is better? The best method depends on your workflow, personality, and goals. Let’s break it down so you can decide which one works best for you—or if a combination of both is the ultimate solution.

What is Time-Blocking?

Time-blocking is a method where you divide your day into specific blocks of time different tasks. Instead of working through an open-ended list, you schedule when you’ll work on each task.

Example of a Time-Blocked Schedule:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM → Morning routine & planning

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM → Focused work (Project A)

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM → Emails & admin tasks

1:30 AM – 12:30 PM → Study session

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM → Lunch & break

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM → Deep work (Project B)

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM → Meetings or calls

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM → Review & plan next day

Pros of Time-Blocking:

Eliminates decision fatigue – You know exactly what to do at each time.

Reduces procrastination– Scheduling tasks makes you more likely to follow through.

Encourages deep work– Dedicated time for important tasks means fewer distractions.

Balances work & breaks– Prevents overworking or burnout.

Cons of Time-Blocking:

Can feel restrictive– Unexpected tasks can disrupt the schedule.

Requires discipline– Sticking to a schedule can be hard if you struggle with time management.

Not ideal for unpredictable work– If your day is full of interruptions, it can be frustrating.

What is a To-Do List?

A to-do list is a simple, flexible method where you write down tasks you need to complete and check them off as you go.

Example of a To-Do List:

☑ Finish report for work

☑ Study 2 chapters for exam

☑ Reply to 5 emails

☑ Workout for 30 minutes

☑ Call a friend

Pros of To-Do Lists:

Simple & easy to use– No complex planning, just a clear list of tasks.

Flexible– You can adjust tasks based on your energy and time.

Gives a sense of accomplishment– Checking off tasks feels rewarding.

Cons of To-Do Lists:

Can lead to overwhelm– A long list with no structure can be stressful.

Encourages multitasking– Without time limits, you might jump between tasks inefficiently.

No time allocation– You might underestimate how long tasks take, leading to procrastination.

Which One is More Effective?

It depends on your needs:

Use Time-Blocking if:

✅ You want more structure in your day.

✅ You struggle with distractions and procrastination.

✅ You need to focus on deep work or big projects.

Use a To-Do List if:

✅ Your tasks vary daily and can’t fit into rigid time slots.

✅ You like having a visual list of what needs to be done.

✅ You prefer flexibility over strict scheduling.

*looks to heavens in defeat* *a thousand books rain down from the sky, burying me alive under their weight*

i tried time blocking last week. it seemed to work, but on some days i just did the bare minimum. so i vowed that this week i would be better. and do everything i had planned to do bc there IS technically time to do it all, mind over matter and all that. but like... that's just really not working at all.

Tuesday: Lineart for July outfit.

Wednesday: Color July outfit.

Thursday: Finishing touches on July outfit.