Time Blocking Techniques for Daily Goal Setting

I've tried the fancy productivity systems, but here's what works: This 3x5 notecard... Each evening, I sit down at my desk and write down the 3-5 highest impact to-dos for the following day. These are the "important" tasks that directly contribute to my long-term projects or goals. The list is pure—I specifically avoid writing down all of the miscellaneous urgent and unimportant to-dos (more on that later). In the morning, I sit down at my desk for my first focus work block and start at the top of the list, working my way down and crossing off the important items as I get through them. My primary goal is to cross each item off the list by the end of the day. I am intentionally conservative in the number of items I write on the list. It's usually 3, sometimes 4, and very rarely 5. I never want to end the day with open items, so being conservative helps me accomplish that (and get the extra rush from getting through more than I expected). As I go through the day, I stole an idea from Marc Andreessen to use the back of the card to write down and cross off any minor to-dos that I complete (the urgent or unimportant tasks that are not welcome on the front of the card). The process of writing and crossing off an item on the back of the card is a further boost of momentum, so I find it to be a worthwhile exercise. My notecard productivity system is painfully simple, but it's grounded in five powerful realizations: 1. 15 minutes of prep in the evening is worth hours the next morning. By setting out your priority tasks the night before, you eliminate any friction from having to decide what to work on. You hit the ground sprinting. 2. Important > Urgent. By tackling the important to start the day, you guarantee progress against the big picture projects and goals. If my day went to hell after that morning focus block (which it sometimes does with a 1-year-old at home!), it would be ok, because I know I've gotten through much of my important work. 3. Momentum is everything. Crossing important items off your list to start the day immediately creates a winning feeling that you keep with you. Success begets success. 4. Simple is beautiful. If you're spending time thinking about your productivity system, you're studying for the wrong test. That's movement for the sake of movement. You should be focused on progress. 5. Find what works for you. It used to stress me out that I didn't have a beautiful productivity system that would impress others. Then I realized that whatever works for me is the best productivity system. Identify how you operate and find the system that works for you. To get started, just buy a stack of simple 3x5 notecards and give it a shot. If you've ever been overwhelmed by productivity systems and advice, this is an approach to try. Follow me Sahil Bloom for more ideas like this in the future and join 800,000+ others who get these in my weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/esGsF85Q

I track 3 "Work Habits". They guarantee I make progress every single day. (Without resorting to complex productivity systems or accountability apps) 1. Did I work for 90 minutes in the morning without any distractions? I am always shocked at how much work I can do with one single block of focus done first thing in the morning, before letting in any other distractions. So this "sacred" block is a non-negotiable for me, no matter where I am in the world or what I have going on. 2. Did I define one single "A+" task and knock it out? Before stepping into that 90-minute focus block, I define one single, high-leverage, needle-moving task that I can complete 100% myself without any input from the outside world. This takes some upfront work because it's easy to see "everything" as an A+ task. But the constraint of choosing one task is the perfect forcing function to ruthlessly eliminate, delegate, or batch everything else. 3. Did I block 30 minutes for intentional time on social media (and avoid it during other times?) And lastly, I make it a point to "batch" my time on X and Instagram into one small part of the day. Otherwise, my brain will default to checking it and doomscrolling all the time on autopilot, despite knowing how little it does for me. Aaaaand that's it! This has worked well for me over the last few years. It's a super simple way of making meaningful progress every single day. If you found this helpful, let me know in the comments, and then like and share this with your audience so others can find it too✊

Can a 300-year-old routine transform your day? Boost your productivity with Benjamin Franklin's time-tested habits. I took a page out of Ben Franklin's book—his autobiography, to be exact—to plan my week. Every Sunday, I set aside time to map out my week. Set goals. Prioritize tasks. And review my calendar. It's a simple habit, but it makes a big difference. It keeps me focused and ready for whatever comes. And you can do it too. Franklin's approach was simple: two core questions and six time blocks to guide your day. The 2 Core Questions: 1. Morning: What good shall I do this day? 2. Evening: "What good have I done this day? Reflect on these in your journal each day. Or create your own core questions. Here's how he organized his day: Block 1 (5-8 AM): Morning Preparation Reflect and plan. Organize your space. Learn something new. Eat breakfast to fuel your day. Block 2 (8 AM-12 PM): Focused Work Dive into deep work. Tackle your most important tasks first. Block 3 (12-2 PM): Midday Recharge Eat lunch. Take a break. Reset your mind. Block 4 (2-6 PM): Afternoon Work Return to focused work. Tackle critical tasks with fresh energy. Block 5 (6-10 PM): Evening Activities Do something you enjoy. Connect with others. Wind down. Reflect. Block 6 (10 PM-5 AM): Sleep Prioritize sleep. Aim for 7 hours. Franklin's routine may be 300 years old, but it still works today. The key isn't following his schedule perfectly. It's deciding to have a plan. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said: "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Take a page from his book. Start planning and watch your productivity soar. What's your best time-blocking tip? I'd love to hear from you.👇

How to Get More Done in Less Time. (Your guide to working smarter, not harder) As a busy dad of 4 building a brand & business, I had to get creative with how I managed my time. I've read dozens of productivity books, listened to the podcasts, and followed the gurus. But it wasn't until I found what worked for me, that I was able to accomplish more with what seems to be less effort. Here's my 5-Step Framework: 1. Prioritize and Plan with Intention - What will move the needle forward today? - Choose 3 high-impact tasks and write them down. - Set deadlines and time limits for each. - Build your day around these priorities—everything else is noise. 2. Time Block Like a Pro - When will you do your best work? - Dedicate focused blocks of time for deep work. - Schedule everything: calls, emails, breaks—even downtime. - Stick to your blocks like they’re non-negotiable meetings. 3. Automate and Systematize - What tasks can you stop doing manually? - Use tech tools to handle repetitive work (e.g., auto-replies, scheduling). - Create templates, SOPs, or workflows for tasks you repeat often. - Free up mental energy for what matters. 4. Batch Similar Tasks - How can you reduce context-switching? - Group related tasks (e.g., emails, brainstorming, admin) and tackle them in one go. - Focus on one "mode" at a time: create, respond, or strategize. - End the habit of jumping between tasks—it kills momentum. 5. Delegate or Outsource - What can someone else do for you? - Identify low-leverage tasks that don’t need your expertise. - Train someone, then trust them to own it. - Stay focused on the high-value work only you can do. Ready to lock this in? Which one are you starting with today? ♻️ Share to help your network be more efficient. ➕ Follow Nico for daily productivity & branding insights.