Time Blocking and GTD

[Dave Edwards]

Is time blocking a productivity hack that aligns with the GTD methodology, or does it contradict its core principles? Many people struggle with balancing their to-do lists and calendars, wondering if blocking off time for important tasks is a smart move or a scheduling mistake. Some argue that GTD discourages putting tasks on your calendar unless they are tied to a specific deadline. But does that mean time blocking is off-limits?

Here's my approach.

 

[gtdstudente]

Is time blocking a productivity hack that aligns with the GTD methodology, or does it contradict its core principles? Many people struggle with balancing their to-do lists and calendars, wondering if blocking off time for important tasks is a smart move or a scheduling mistake. Some argue that GTD discourages putting tasks on your calendar unless they are tied to a specific deadline. But does that mean time blocking is off-limits?

Here's my approach.

@Dave Edwards

Thank you very much for your most worthy GTD video

On this end, when something 'all important' enters life, 'usually' resort to 'Project focusing' disguised as a 'Next Action' for completion

While tolerating the flow of life's other 'interuptions' and appropriately returning to the 'focused Project' as much as possible until the 'focused Project' is appropriately completed as would be the GTD case for any Next Action to appropriately ensure as much mind like water as GTD possible


As you see GTD fit. . . .

 

[pgarth]

I have found success with time-blocking, with my agreement to be "within" a specific context for whatever time duration.

What then occurs is less a focus on "task" and more about what is needing my attention/focus right now.

This works well with stuff that I'm delaying or procrastinating on. The phrasing or wording of a task can have loaded meaning (fear of responsibility), which can lead to sabotage and skipping over the item/task.

By being within the context, it's a shift towards my time and energy. I then can be open and curious to what arises from time spent on items that I was initially averse to. "Well... that wasn't too bad"; "I stepped into the action, finally, and now realize that there is something that needs to be attended to first".

 

[gtdstudente]

I have found success with time-blocking, with my agreement to be "within" a specific context for whatever time duration.

What then occurs is less a focus on "task" and more about what is needing my attention/focus right now.

This works well with stuff that I'm delaying or procrastinating on. The phrasing or wording of a task can have loaded meaning (fear of responsibility), which can lead to sabotage and skipping over the item/task.

By being within the context, it's a shift towards my time and energy. I then can be open and curious to what arises from time spent on items that I was initially averse to. "Well... that wasn't too bad"; "I stepped into the action, finally, and now realize that there is something that needs to be attended to first".

@pgarth

"Procrastination" . . . "sabortage" . . . " "task" . . . hmmm

Thank you very much