⭐Working Sprints/Time Blocking: Getting More Done by Doing Less at Once

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26d (edited) • $/Generativity(life's calling)

Okay, this productivity "hack" has been kind of a game changer for me the last few weeks and thought that I should share it.:) Maybe you're familiar with it and maybe not, but it's certainly something to consider if you're looking to have better focus with your tasks and get those tasks completed more efficiently!

@Wesley Penner

has been having group working sessions every weekday in his group Executive Skill Journey and I've benefitted every time that I've joined. The allotment of time, the structure, and the accountability piece have been so helpful! :)

Wesley also has some really thought provoking posts!

(Wesley, please feel free to share more about this in a comment if you'd like)

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“Working in sprints”/Time blocking is kind of like interval training, but for your attention. Instead of trying to be productive all day, you focus your energy in short, intentional bursts of time.

STEPS:

1.Choose ONE specific task (what's your intention for the next __ minutes?)

2.Set a clear time block (ex: 20–60 minutes)

3.Remove distractions

4.Work with full focus until the timer ends

Take a real break before starting again

(In Wesley's work groups, we get together virtually and work together but separately--this added "observer" effect has been beneficial for me, but you don't need to have the camera on. Just knowing that others are working along side has been helpful).

Why this works so well:

- It lowers overwhelm :you only have to face one small window, not an endless to-do list; that's nice

- It reduces procrastination : starting feels easier when it’s “just one sprint.”

- It builds momentum: finishing a sprint creates a quick win and that is satisfying!

-It respects your brain: focus naturally comes in waves, not all day long

Sprints can also create permission to rest. When you know a break is coming, your nervous system stops resisting the work which is a very nice feeling and it helps calibrate the nervous system. You don't have to be in constant grind mode, but rather in focused attention mode. There's a decrease in stress with this.

POLL: How do you usually approach focused work?

QUESTION for reflection:

What tends to drain your energy more:working for too long without stopping or the mental friction of starting a task in the first place?

(And what might change if you only had to commit to one small sprint today?)

Long stretches without breaks

Short bursts with breaks (sprints

I jump between tasks constantly

I struggle to start at all

I've given up on work. Work is a scam. Who decided that this was a good idea?

16 votes

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