You Don’t Need More Time …. Just a Better Way to Use It
Do you ever feel like your to-do list is running your life?
You're not alone. We’ve all had those days where the hours slip away, and despite being busy, it feels like nothing meaningful gets done. That’s where timeboxing comes in — a simple but powerful way to reclaim your time and energy.
Timeboxing isn’t about piling more onto your plate; it’s about being intentional with your time. By setting specific time limits for tasks, you give your brain a clear target, eliminate decision fatigue, and avoid getting stuck in "busy but not productive" mode.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through how timeboxing works, why it’s so effective, and how you can start using it to stay focused and actually get things done. Plus, I’ll give you a little homework to help you put it into action.
What is Timeboxing?
Timeboxing is exactly what it sounds like: setting a specific block of time to work on a task or activity — and sticking to it. Think of it as giving each task a reserved seat on your calendar.
Instead of saying, "I'll work on this project today," you say, "From 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, I’m focusing on this project — and nothing else."
🔹 The key is to treat it like a meeting with yourself — no rescheduling, no multitasking, and no distractions.
🔹 When the time is up, you stop — even if you’re not finished (unless it’s absolutely necessary to continue).
By creating boundaries around your time, you give yourself permission to focus without the pressure of doing everything at once.
Why Timeboxing Works
Let’s be real — most of us struggle with focus because we have too much freedom. When your day is wide open, it’s easy to get stuck overthinking or jumping between tasks. Timeboxing creates helpful guardrails that:
🔹 Reduce decision fatigue – You already know what you’re working on and when.
🔹 Boost focus – Your brain is more focused when it knows there’s a defined endpoint.
🔹 Quiet the perfectionist voice – You’re not aiming to make it perfect; you’re aiming to make progress within the time you’ve got.
🔹Create motivation – The countdown of a timer adds a little urgency that helps you stay on track.
🔹 Protect your energy – When your work time is boxed in, you also protect time for rest and personal activities.
Let me paint a picture — imagine you’re working on a big presentation. Without timeboxing, you might say, "I’ll work on it tomorrow." But then tomorrow comes, and you spend an hour tweaking slides, 20 minutes checking emails, and before you know it, the day is gone.
Now, imagine you timebox it: You schedule 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM to focus ONLY on writing the presentation script. Afterward, you schedule 30 minutes in the afternoon to refine the slides. Suddenly, you have a plan — and you’re no longer drifting through the day hoping you’ll "find time" to get it done.
The result? You get the presentation finished faster, with less stress — and you still have time to relax afterward.
How to Start Timeboxing
Timeboxing works best when you keep it simple. Follow these steps to start building it into your day:
1. Identify Your Priorities
→ Write down your top 3-5 priorities for the day. What absolutely needs to get done?
2. Create Time Blocks
→ Open your calendar and assign specific time slots to each task. Be realistic!
High-focus work → 60–90 minutes
Admin work → 20–30 minutes
Breaks → 5–15 minutes
3. Commit to the Time
→ When it’s time to work — just work. Turn off notifications, set a timer, and protect that time.
4. Stop When the Timer Ends
→ Even if you’re not finished, stop when the timer ends. You can always reassess and timebox more later.
5. Adjust and Reflect
→ At the end of the day, review how it went. Did you overestimate or underestimate? Adjust tomorrow’s timeboxes accordingly.
Homework
Let’s put this into action!
Pick three key tasks you need to get done tomorrow.
Block out specific time slots on your calendar for each one.
Set a timer and commit to the timebox — no multitasking, no rescheduling.
Reflect afterward: Did you stay focused? Did you finish within the time? Adjust as needed.
Remember: Progress over perfection.
The goal isn’t to finish everything perfectly — it’s to make meaningful progress and protect your energy along the way.
Final Thoughts
Timeboxing isn’t about packing more into your day — it’s about taking control of your time so you can focus on what matters. It’s about giving yourself permission to work hard and rest without guilt.
So, are you ready to take back your time? Start small, stick with it, and watch how much more focused, calm, and productive you become.
Now go set those timeboxes — you’ve got this! 🙌🏾