We’ve all heard, “Time is money.” One of the best ways to use our time efficiently is to chunk it. What is time chunking? Time chunking or time blocking is setting aside specific time slots to complete one or more similar tasks.
The benefits of time chunking are numerous, some of which are:
- Improved focus.
- Enhanced productivity.
- Better time management.
- Less procrastination.
- Increased efficiency.
The question is how much time to set aside for a specific task. The answer depends on:
- The type of task or nature of the job.
- Individual work style or personal preference.
Some tasks, such as answering phone calls or emails, may require smaller but more frequent chunks of time. Other jobs may take longer, such as creating social media content, blog/podcast content, or writing a book or course script.
Determining the ideal time to complete tasks may take some experimentation and will be unique to each individual. Some options to try are:
- The Pomodoro Technique – 25-minute intervals in sets of four. This technique is designed to allow us to focus intensely for shorter bursts.
- 60-minute intervals – This technique allows for deeper concentration in a timeframe that is reasonable.
- 90-minute intervals – This technique is based on the ultradian rhythm which suggests our natrual energy cycles follow periods of high focus for approximately 90 minutes.
- Customized time blocks – These are varying durations based on the nature of the task. Some may be 15-30 minutes, and for more complex or creative work they may be 2-3 hours.
When working on a large project, we can consider chunking time for the project, then the tasks within the project.
Action steps:
- Identify tasks (check out the post Breaking up tasks).
- Establish a time chunk for each task.
- Experiment with different time chunks to see which works best for you.