# The *Huge* Problem With Timeblocking: What I Do Instead # The Huge Problem With Timeblocking: What I Do Instead  ## Time Blocking and Energy Management - Time blocking can be problematic as it doesn't account for energy variations throughout the day, leading to feelings of failure when tasks aren't completed as planned [(00:00:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=4s). - The concept of "Biological Prime Time" suggests that individuals have a specific time of day when they're most alert, focused, and full of energy, which can be used to their advantage [(00:00:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=35s). - Cognitive abilities don't remain static throughout the day, and people are more alert and creative at certain times, making it beneficial to perform specific tasks during those times [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=42s). - The traditional advice to "do the hard things first" assumes everyone's peak energy is in the morning, but this can vary from person to person, and it's essential to identify one's own peak energy times [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=52s). - Tasks can be categorized into high and low effort, and it's recommended to save prime time for demanding tasks and use other hours for lower effort tasks like maintenance and email [(00:01:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=75s). - Prioritizing tasks with a numbering system (1, 2, or 3) and aligning them with natural energy cycles can be a more effective approach than time blocking [(00:01:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=116s). - This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, as it acknowledges that energy levels fluctuate not only hourly but also daily [(00:02:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=167s). - Time blocking can be disadvantageous, as it may require stopping a task when in flow, and it doesn't account for days when energy levels are lower due to various factors [(00:02:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=143s). - [[Timeblocking]] can be problematic as it often leads to filling every available slot with productive work, leaving little time for rest and leisure, which is particularly challenging for creatives [(00:03:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=197s). ## Focus and Notifications - Receiving notifications while in a state of flow can significantly interrupt focus, and it takes a long time to regain it, with studies showing that task-switching results in a substantial loss of focus [(00:03:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=217s). - To minimize distractions, Focus modes can be used, which is a feature in the Apple ecosystem that allows for automated customization of notifications based on the time of day or activity [(00:04:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=242s). - Focus modes can be set up to silence certain notifications, switch off specific apps, and allow only important notifications to come through during peak hours or specific activities [(00:04:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=256s). - Having different Focus modes for various activities, such as work, workouts, meditation, and downtime, helps to maintain a healthy work-life balance and protect prime time [(00:04:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=268s). - Scheduling non-essential activities outside of prime time helps to minimize interruptions and maintain productivity [(00:04:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=296s). ## Breaks and Rest - Taking breaks that are low in cognitive stimulation, such as meditation, walking, or reading, can help recharge the brain and improve focus, as opposed to scrolling through social media [(00:05:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=329s). - Allowing the brain to relax and recharge can also lead to subconscious work on tasks and the generation of new ideas, particularly for creatives [(00:05:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=354s). - Taking longer than necessary to complete a creative task can be beneficial, as it allows for relaxation and can lead to better ideas, contrary to Parkinson's Law [(00:06:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=366s). - High-quality creative work is hindered by racing against the clock, and instead, taking time and letting ideas evolve is more beneficial, as seen in the example of writing videos that take multiple days to complete [(00:06:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=383s). - Breaking down tasks into smaller chunks, such as spending two hours a day for four days, results in a higher quality outcome and is a better approach to energy management [(00:06:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=398s). - Allowing time for ideas to develop and making changes over multiple days leads to better results, as new ideas and developments often come from doing other activities [(00:07:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=421s). ## Productivity and Well-being - The emphasis on productivity has become a measure of self-worth, with people going to great lengths to get more done, including sacrificing sleep and health, and this obsession with quantity over quality is counterproductive [(00:07:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=448s). - The pressure to be constantly productive can be crushing and leads to decreased productivity in the long run, as it forces individuals into a mold that doesn't fit their natural levels and often at the expense of their health and well-being [(00:08:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=490s). - Universal advice on productivity often doesn't account for individual differences, such as not being a morning person or having multiple responsibilities, and can be harmful to mental health [(00:08:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=507s). - Constantly changing apps and tools can be a waste of time, and it's better to stick with what works rather than chasing new and flashy alternatives [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=542s). - A balanced life is more fulfilling than constantly chasing an impossible standard of productivity, and it's essential to prioritize enjoyment and self-care [(00:09:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=562s). ## Brilliant Sponsorship - [[Brilliant (website) | Brilliant]] is a platform that excels in making difficult concepts, especially in maths and sciences, easy to understand through bite-sized lessons, making it super engaging and suitable for various skill levels [(00:09:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=575s). - The platform customizes content to fit individual needs, allowing users to learn at their own pace, making it an ideal resource for those starting out or advanced in their skills [(00:09:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=595s). - A recommended course on the platform is "Exploring Data Visually" by Billian, where users can analyze real data and draw interesting conclusions [(00:10:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=601s). - Brilliant adds new courses every month, providing users with a constant stream of new topics to learn [(00:10:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=612s). - Users can try everything Brilliant has to offer for free for 30 days by visiting brilliant.org, and the first 200 people to sign up will receive 20% off the annual premium subscription [(00:10:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=617s). - Brilliant is sponsoring the video, and the creator expresses gratitude for their support [(00:10:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPITG-6fR5s&t=624s).