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Dear Reader,

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you’re running around like a headless chicken?

You know, the kind of day where you have a million things to do but don’t know where to start or how to finish them.

You jump from one task to another without making much progress on any of them.

You get distracted by emails, phone calls, and social media.

You end up feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and unproductive.

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone.

Many people struggle with managing their time effectively.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In the previous newsletters, I told you how time-blocking can increase your productivity!

But time blocking is not a silver bullet to solve all your productivity problems.

It has its challenges that can make it hard to stick to.

Time blocking can be a game-changer for productivity and performance — if you know how to overcome the common challenges and pitfalls:

Challenge #1: Underestimating your time

One of the most common mistakes people make when time blocking is underestimating how long their tasks will take.

This can lead to frustration, stress, and unfinished work.

The solution:

Be realistic and generous with your time estimates. Add buffer time between your tasks for unexpected delays, interruptions, or transitions.

And don’t forget to schedule some breaks throughout your day to recharge and refresh yourself.

Challenge #2: Being too rigid

Another common mistake people make when time blocking is being too rigid with their schedule.

They try to follow their plan to the letter without allowing flexibility or spontaneity. This can make them feel trapped, bored, or resentful.

The solution:

Review your schedule regularly and make adjustments as needed. Leave some space in your calendar for emergencies, opportunities, or creative work. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different time blocks and formats until you find what works best for you.

Challenge #3: Over-scheduling your leisure time

A third common mistake people make when time blocking is over-scheduling their leisure time.

They try to fill every minute of their free time with activities, hobbies, or entertainment. This can make them feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or dissatisfied.

The solution:

Focus on activities that bring you joy, fulfilment, or relaxation. And don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity, serendipity, or simply doing nothing.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and learned something new.

Until next time,

Tulika

P.S. If you liked this newsletter, please share it with your friends and colleagues. And if you have any questions, feedback, or challenges on time blocking, feel free to reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you.