As a leader, you’ve likely heard the advice to “timebox” your work by blocking off time on your calendar for specific tasks. But putting this tactic into practice can be harder than it sounds. Here are three tips to help you actually merge your calendar with your to-do list.
Start the day with a self-planning meeting. Reserve 15 minutes at the start of each day to think ahead to your day and week, and encourage your team to do the same. This includes not just work, but also exercise, reading, meditation, or any personal time. Decide what is most important and slot it into your day.
Remind yourself and your team of the core tenet of timeboxing. When distractions arise, they can generate stress and result in lost focus. Say out loud to your team: “One thing at a time.” That simple mantra is a cue to return to your calendar, identify the one thing you’re supposed to be working on, and get back to it.
Make adjustments as you go. The goal of timeboxing is to focus, be productive, and then move on to the next thing. Acknowledge that tasks may shift and make that flexibility part of the practice. Don’t attempt to multitask, but if another task becomes more important throughout your day or week, readjust your calendar as needed.
