Why I Ditched Time Blocking (And You Should Too)

I hate time blocking.

What is time blocking?

Time blocking is a productivity technique where you schedule specific blocks of time for particular tasks or activities throughout your day. Instead of working from a to-do list with an unstructured approach, you allocate set periods to focus on specific tasks. This supposedly helps in managing time more effectively and reduces the likelihood of distractions.

Here’s a basic breakdown of how time blocking works:

Identify Tasks: List the tasks or activities you need to complete.
Estimate Time: Determine how long each task will take.
Create Blocks: Schedule these tasks into dedicated time blocks on your calendar.
Stick to the Schedule: During each time block, focus solely on the task assigned to that period. Avoid multitasking or distractions.
Adjust as Needed: Review and adjust your time blocks periodically based on your progress and changing priorities.

Time blocking can help improve focus, reduce procrastination, and increase productivity by providing a clear structure for your day. The catch-phrase for time blocking is that if it’s not on your calendar, it doesn’t exist.

Except I hate time blocking.

Modern Man

Time blocking, of course, is just one potential time management strategy. In a 2021 paper, Faber Aeon noted that time management didn’t even become a thing until the 1970s. And I’m left thinking of the cult classic The Gods Must Be Crazy.

As the film’s narrator states,

…civilized man, who refused to adapt to his surroundings, now finds he has to adapt and re-adapt every hour of the day to his self-created environment. For instance, if it’s Monday and 7:30 comes up, you have to dis-adapt from your domestic surroundings and re-adapt yourself to an entirely different environment. 8:00 means everybody has to look busy… 10:30 says you can stop looking busy for 15 minutes. And then you have to look busy again… And so your day is chopped into pieces, and in each segment of time you adapt to a new set circumstances.

Further, Aeon suggests time management doesn’t have much to do with work productivity as much as time management tends to lean towards a better overall personal well-being. Sure, Aeon says, the more you use your time management skills, the more productive you become. But that, in my opinion, probably happens just because of practice. You become better at anything you do if you practice.

In the world of real estate, one of the mainstays is that you time block your lead generation for first thing in the morning. Cold call everyone from 9am to noon, break for lunch, and the afternoon will take care of itself. And I have two issues with that. One, most people are at work from 9am to 12pm and don’t have much time to take your real estate sales call to see if you want to buy or sell a house. Two, I just don’t like routine.

My wife has a nine to five. This is what she does Monday through Friday, and she thrives on that schedule. I would probably quit after a few months, and if you’ve been following my content for a while, you know I come from a higher education background. One of the reasons I loved teaching at the college and university levels is that my schedule changed every three to four months. I need that schedule variety to thrive.

If time blocking works for you, please keep time blocking. If you’ve never tried time blocking, or just want to get into the weeds of time blocking a bit more, John Rampton has a great piece over on Entrepreneur.com.

I actually distinguish time in two different ways: Newtonian and Einsteinian. And sometimes in a simultaneous way. This idea comes from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s book 10X is Easier than 2x.

Newtonian Time

The Newtonian view of time treats it as a constant, unchanging entity—like the mechanical gears of a clock. Or, think of elementary school and the all the lines you had to get into or the bell system in high school; an educational system designed for a late 19^th early 20^th century factory-based work system. This approach creates a rigid structure where every minute is accounted for, potentially leading to a sense of confinement and stress. We’re back at The Gods Must Be Crazy: civilized man must adapt to an ever-changing schedule, a relentless cycle of “looking busy” and “not looking busy.” This constant adjustment to a fragmented timetable can feel like a chore.

Einsteinian Time

In contrast, Einsteinian time introduces a more fluid understanding of temporal experience. Einsteinian time embraces the relativity of time, recognizing that our perception and use of time can vary depending on context and activity. This perspective allows for a more flexible approach to scheduling—one that values the quality of time over mere quantity. This flexible approach is particularly relevant when considering how we allocate time for different activities. Embracing Einsteinian time invites a more nuanced appreciation of our daily rhythms, acknowledging that not every moment needs to be regimented.

This Einsteinian approach allows you to get into a stage of “flow,” or extended moments of “getting into the zone.” The state of flow is characterized by a deep, almost effortless immersion in an activity, where you lose track of time and are fully engaged in the task at hand. Understanding how to cultivate this state can be crucial in maximizing productivity and achieving satisfaction in both personal and professional realms.

How Newton and Einstein Work in My Schedule

On Thursdays I try to stack all of my networking appointments at Breakaway Café, a short walk from my house. These appointments don’t necessarily lead to a paycheck, but they are with someone I’m meeting for the first time, the second time, or reconnecting with. The networking appointments are not about business as much as the point is about putting ourselves into relationship with each other. And normally, I’m at Breakaway from open to almost close on those Thursdays. The meetings themselves are firmly based in a Newtonian perspective, but the whole Thursday sits firmly within the flow of Einsteinian.

One of the questions I often receive is how I push so much content out—three emails a week, plus two additional emails a month, blog content, social media videos. It seems I’m always publishing something somewhere online because, well, I am. How do you do it Steve? I allocate about a week each quarter to develop the content. Again, demonstrating an effective blend of both Newtonian and Einsteinian time. By setting aside focused time blocks in each quarter for content development, I manage to maintain productivity without the constant daily grind. This method, inspired by Amy Porterfield’s podcast insights, leverages both structured planning and the freedom to work within a more flexible framework.

Fridays I dedicate to my personal writing and relaxation. This day is not governed by any rigid structure; the day is a sanctuary for creativity and self-care. I spend time beside the coffee pot, hang with my cats, read for fun, and work on my novel. By differentiating between scheduled work and genuine downtime, I honor both Newtonian and Einsteinian aspects of time.

Family Time Vs. True Time Off

Finally, I believe it’s crucial to differentiate between scheduled time with family and true time off. While scheduling family activities can enhance relationships, it should not be mistaken for genuine downtime. True time off is free from obligations and allows for unstructured relaxation. It’s a valuable space for rejuvenation and personal growth, free from the constraints of both work and relationship-work.

Take family vacations, for example, which are valuable for creating shared memories and bonding. However, even within these family-centric experiences, the need for personal space and individual downtime remains essential. A vacation can be a wonderful opportunity for family togetherness, but it should also allow for moments of solitude or personal exploration.

You cannot take care of others if you do not first take care of yourself.

Time isn’t just about ticking off tasks or adhering to rigid schedules—it’s about creating a life that feels aligned with who you are. It seems to make sense that Aeon discovered time management was more beneficial to your overall well-being than to any kind of work productivity. When you blend structured time with moments of flow, you honor both the mechanical and the organic aspects of your existence. And this balance allows for both productivity and creativity, making space for the unexpected joys that a tightly controlled schedule might miss. Embracing this duality is not just about managing time; it’s about crafting a life that feels truly lived.

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