I Ditched Google Calendar and Time Blocking — Here's Why | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Counter blocking is a time management technique that involves setting specific tasks for specific time blocks in your schedule, but it may not work for everyone due to unpredictable energy levels or changing priorities.

Key Insights

• 🕒 Key Insight 1: Counter blocking is a time management technique that involves setting specific tasks for specific time blocks in your calendar. It creates a budget for your time, helping you visualize your workload and balance your life.
• 💡 Key Insight 2: Counter blocking can be beneficial for most people, providing a bird's eye view of their time and helping them estimate the time required for tasks. It is especially useful for maintaining a work-life balance.
• 💪 Key Insight 3: However, there are exceptions where counter blocking may not work effectively. For example, unpredictable energy levels or significant life changes, like pregnancy, can disrupt the scheduling routine and render counter blocking less suitable.
• 😴 Key Insight 4: During pregnancy, the author experienced fluctuating energy levels, making it challenging to predict when they would feel energized and motivated. This unpredictability hindered the effectiveness of counter blocking. ⏰ Key Insight 5: The author also faced increased sleep and the need for random naps during the day, disrupting their scheduled tasks. This lack of buffer time in the calendar made it difficult to accommodate unexpected changes.
• 📅 Key Insight 6: The author found counter blocking to be toxic and demotivating as it highlighted their inability to achieve scheduled tasks due to the energy and sleep disruptions caused by pregnancy. They decided to abandon counter blocking altogether.
• 📝 Key Insight 7: Instead of counter blocking, the author switched to using a bullet journal. They focused on writing down three main goals/tasks for each day, accommodating energy fluctuations. They adopted a simple list-based system without strict scheduling.
• 🚀 Key Insight 8: The new list-based system, although initially underwhelming, helped regain control over productivity. As confidence grew, the author was able to gradually increase tasks per day and establish a powerful alternative to counter blocking. Flexibility and finding the right system for one's current needs are crucial in time management.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does unpredictable energy levels affect the effectiveness of counter blocking?

Unpredictable energy levels can make it difficult to schedule tasks during specific time blocks, as you may not know when you'll have the energy to complete them. This can lead to tasks being left unfinished or constantly rescheduled, which can be frustrating and inefficient.

Q: Why did the speaker switch from counter blocking to a bullet journal system?

The speaker switched from counter blocking to a bullet journal system because her energy levels became unpredictable in her first trimester of pregnancy. The bullet journal system allowed her to have a flexible approach to task management that accommodated her fluctuating energy levels.

Q: What were the drawbacks of counter blocking for the speaker?

The speaker found that counter blocking became toxic for her when her energy levels and priorities changed. Looking at her calendar filled with unfinished tasks made her feel like a failure. Additionally, the rigidity of the system did not allow for unexpected naps or sleep changes.

Q: How did the bullet journal system help the speaker regain control of her productivity?

The bullet journal system helped the speaker regain control by simplifying her daily to-do list to three main tasks. She no longer set specific deadlines or scheduled tasks, allowing her to work around her energy fluctuations and appointments. This gradual increase in tasks completed boosted her confidence and productivity.

Q: Will the speaker ever return to counter blocking?

The speaker is unsure if she will return to counter blocking in the future. She acknowledges that her priorities and needs may change, especially after the birth of her baby. She may need to find a new time management system or adapt counter blocking to fit her new reality.

Q: What is the key message about counter blocking?

Counter blocking is a great time management technique if it works for you, but it may not be suitable for everyone. It is crucial to find a method that aligns with your priorities, lifestyle, and current needs. Experimenting with different techniques can help find the perfect fit for your time management.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Counter blocking is a time management technique that involves setting specific tasks for specific time blocks in your schedule.

• Counter blocking provides a bird's eye view of your time and helps you balance your work and leisure time.

• However, counter blocking may not work for everyone, especially if you have unpredictable energy levels or changing priorities.