“One Simple Tip for Time Management That Really Works”

Time blocking is a straightforward method to manage your time effectively. It involves assigning specific time slots in your planner for tasks, helping you stay organized, reduce distractions, and improve productivity. Here’s how to make it work:

• Start with priorities: Focus on high-priority tasks first.
• Use visual aids: Color-code tasks or use stickers for clarity.
• Plan buffer time: Leave space for delays or last-minute changes.
• Be flexible: Adjust blocks as needed for unexpected events.

Quick Overview of Time Blocking Benefits:

• Improves focus: Reduces task-switching.
• Supports routines: Builds consistent habits.
• Enhances clarity: Avoids overloading your schedule.

With tools like Hobonichi planners, stickers, and highlighters, you can balance functionality with style, making your planner a tool for both productivity and creativity.

Time Blocking: A Simple Planning Method

Time blocking is a scheduling method where you assign specific time slots to tasks or activities. It helps you take charge of your day by giving each task a dedicated place in your planner.

Time Blocking Basics

At its core, time blocking means assigning a set amount of time to a particular task. Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, explains its effectiveness:

"A 40 hour time-blocked work week, I estimate, produces the same amount of output as a 60+ hour work week pursued without structure."

This method is especially useful for creative planning. Here’s how it helps:

Benefit	How It Helps	Impact
Focus Management	Allocates uninterrupted time to tasks	Cuts down on task-switching
Creative Flow	Sets aside time for artistic work	Sustains creative momentum
Reality Check	Makes your available time clear	Avoids overloading your schedule
Habit Building	Encourages regular routines	Supports long-term consistency

Now, let’s explore how to bring time blocking into your planner.

Making Time Blocking Work in Your Planner

To make this method work, customize it to fit your planner and routine. If you’re using a Hobonichi Weeks planner, for instance, its weekly layout naturally divides into thirds using the dotted lines .

Mike Vardy, founder of Productivityist, highlights the value of intentional scheduling:

"Knowing what the day ‘means’ to me allows me to get the things I need and want to accomplish without seeing undetermined ‘ought to do’ items on a to do list. As a result, I have less decision fatigue and even have more energy when I spend time with my kids."

Here are some tips to use time blocking effectively:

• Start with top-priority tasks. These should take up your first blocks of time.
• Add visual markers. Use washi tape or colorful pens to clearly define your blocks.
• Include buffer time. Leave space between tasks to handle delays or transitions.
• Keep open slots. These can be used for unexpected tasks or last-minute changes.

Cal Newport also suggests scheduling even reactive tasks intentionally:

"Periods of open-ended reactivity can be blocked off like any other type of obligation. Even if you’re blocking most of your day for reactive work, for example, the fact that you’re controlling your schedule will allow you to dedicate some small blocks (perhaps at the schedule periphery) to deeper pursuits."

This method works with any planner, from bullet journals to Hobonichi Weeks or Erin Condren planners, while keeping its core benefits intact.

Setting Up Time Blocks in Your Planner

Choosing a Time Block Format

Pick a format that works with your planner’s layout and helps you organize your day effectively. Here are some common block types to consider:

Block Type	Duration	Ideal For
Focus Blocks	60–120 mins	Deep work or creative tasks
Admin Blocks	15–30 mins	Emails and quick tasks
Break Blocks	5–15 mins	Short rests or transitions
Personal Blocks	30–60 mins	Self-care or exercise

Adding Style to Your Time Blocks

Make your planner both functional and visually appealing. Products like Erin Condren’s planner system offer stickers that are both practical and decorative .

Try color-coding for better organization:

• Work tasks: Use cool tones like blues and greens.
• Personal time: Opt for warm shades like pinks and purples.
• Meetings: Highlight with bold colors like yellows or oranges.
• Breaks: Stick to neutral tones or soft pastels.

Incorporate themed or functional stickers to keep tasks clear while adding a bit of flair. Just remember to keep decorations simple to avoid cluttering your planner. These strategies can help you stay on top of your time blocking goals.

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Fixing Common Time Blocking Problems

Handling Schedule Changes

Even with a well-organized plan, unexpected events can throw off your schedule. A good rule of thumb is to set aside about 20% of your day for unplanned tasks .

Here are a few common disruptions and practical ways to manage them:

Disruption Type	Solution	Implementation
Urgent Tasks	Add flexible blocks	Keep open slots between major tasks for flexibility
Meeting Changes	Use buffer times	Insert short buffers between scheduled activities
Project Overruns	Include flex periods	Allocate extra time for tasks that may run longer
Emergency Requests	Reserve backup blocks	Leave a daily unassigned block for last-minute needs

By planning for these disruptions, you can keep your day on track without feeling overwhelmed.

"This type of planning is like a chess game, with blocks of work getting spread and sorted in such a way that projects big and small all click into completion with (just enough) time to spare." – Cal Newport, Productivity Expert

Keeping Your Planning Style

Once you’ve adjusted your schedule to handle changes, it’s important to maintain the look and feel of your planner while keeping it functional. A visually pleasing planner can still support effective time management.

Here are some tips to balance style and practicality:

Color-Coding for Flexibility:

• Use erasable markers or highlighters to mark tentative blocks.
• Add sticky notes for temporary adjustments.
• Include simple visual cues to highlight changes.

Visual Priority Indicators:

• Use bold borders to mark high-priority, non-negotiable tasks.
• Dashed or dotted borders can indicate flexible activities.
• Try gradient colors for tasks with varying durations.

With these strategies, you can keep your planner organized and visually appealing, even when unexpected changes arise.

Time Blocking Supplies and Resources

Having the right tools on hand can make your time blocking system more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming for practicality or a touch of flair, these supplies can help you stay organized and inspired.

Dark Moon Paper‘s Themed Sticker Kits

Dark Moon Paper creates sticker kits that can add personality to your planner. Popular options include Lilac Dusk, Cottage Succulents, Winter Hygge, and Electric Forest. These stickers can transform plain planner pages into something visually appealing while supporting your time management.

Essential Planning Tools

Here are some must-have tools to enhance your time blocking setup:

Tool Category	Recommended Items	Average Price
Core Planning	Hobonichi Cousin A5 or Erin Condren Hourly	$35.00
Writing Tools	Zebra Mildliner Dual Tip Highlighters	$3.00
Organization	Page Pins for Quick Access	$7.00
Time Block Aids	Time Block Sticker Sets	$8.00
Accessories	C&P Sticker Tweezers	$6.00

These tools strike a balance between functionality and style, helping you create a system that works for you.

"Honestly, the Hobonichi kind of defies explanation. It’s sold and marketed as a planner, and many people use it for that purpose, but the pages aren’t set up for any particular system." – The Gentleman Stationer

Start with the basics and expand your collection as your planning style develops. For example, Zebra Mildliner highlighters are perfect for creating a color-coded system to keep your tasks organized and visually clear.

Pair functional stickers with essential tools to enhance your setup. Dark Moon Paper’s transparent dot stickers ($8.00) work well as subtle markers, while Time Block Sticky Notes ($5.00) offer flexibility for scheduling without compromising on aesthetics.

Conclusion: Making Time Management Work for You

By using practical time blocking strategies, your planner becomes more than just a schedule – it becomes a way to balance productivity and creativity. Time blocking helps structure your day, blending efficiency with creative planning. Studies show that professionals who use this method often get more done compared to those who don’t, making it a great tool for staying productive while nurturing your creative side.

Main Points to Keep in Mind

Here are some essential elements to make time blocking work:

Time Blocking Element	Implementation Tips	Benefits
Buffer Time	Add 15–30 minutes between tasks	Helps reduce stress and smooth transitions
Peak Hours	Plan challenging tasks during your most productive times	Makes the most of your energy levels
Creative Touches	Use color coding or themed stickers	Improves visual organization and clarity
Flexibility	Adjust your blocks when needed	Keeps your schedule practical and adaptable

By including these elements, you can create a system that’s both effective and tailored to your needs.

Avoid overloading your schedule to protect your creative time. Reserve specific blocks for focused tasks and creative planning. This balance ensures your planner stays functional while also reflecting your personal style.

"This type of planning, to me, is like a chess game, with blocks of work getting spread and sorted in such a way that projects big and small all seem to click into completion with (just enough) time to spare." – Cal Newport

Find the right balance by combining structured time blocks with creative tools. Whether you use supplies from Dark Moon Paper or other planning resources, make your time blocks visually appealing without losing their purpose. The goal is to strike a balance between organization and creativity that works for your unique planning approach.

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