Section 1.1: Embracing Time Blocking

At one point, I relied on a to-do list that outlined all my daily tasks. Unfortunately, I often found myself prioritizing less important tasks and neglecting what truly mattered. This lack of clarity on what to tackle first led to procrastination—should I study for an exam or declutter my space by selling old items?

To address this, I adopted time blocking, which involves transferring tasks from my to-do list into my calendar. This approach allows me to visualize my day and prioritize effectively. While time blocking can be challenging, I created a productivity system to guide this process, which you can explore in the first link in the description.

Section 1.2: Understanding Your "Why"

Previously, I scheduled tasks I dreaded, leading to avoidance and a lack of adherence to my plan. For instance, I had grammar exercises on my agenda that I found unappealing. I discovered that by asking myself why I needed to complete a task, I could rekindle my motivation. Understanding the long-term benefits of these tasks helps me push through reluctance.

For example, I initially planned to create content in German, but upon reflection, I realized my current channel deserved more attention. Thus, I swapped that task for something more relevant.

The key takeaway for you is to ask yourself why a task is on your calendar whenever you feel disinclined to complete it. This inquiry can either motivate you to proceed or guide you to replace it with a more appealing task.

Section 1.3: Shifting Your Mindset

In the past, I allowed myself to skip planning for a day or neglect certain tasks when I wanted to indulge in video games. A mindset shift inspired by Alex Hormozi helped me regain focus: to achieve a life different from the norm, I must engage in what others often avoid. This reminder motivates me to stick to my schedule and strive for something beyond a typical 9 to 5 existence.

Make it a habit to jot down this mindset shift in a note-taking app and revisit it when your motivation wanes.

Section 1.4: Keeping an Eye on Your Calendar

When I first started using a schedule, I often overlooked the time between tasks, leading to missed deadlines. I found a helpful app—Notion's calendar feature—that ensures I stay on track. Its widget displays my current tasks on the top bar of my MacBook, showing how much time I have before the next one begins. This simple tool keeps me informed without needing to open my calendar constantly.

For those using a MacBook, I highly recommend the Notion calendar app. If you're primarily on your phone, consider setting up a calendar widget for easy access.

Section 2.1: Setting Timely Alarms

I often lose track of time during certain activities, which causes me to stray from my schedule. To combat this, I now set alarms to remind me when it's time to transition to the next task. For instance, I use my Apple Watch to alert me when my reading time is up. This straightforward tactic helps me stay accountable and ensures I adhere to my planned agenda.

The action step for you is to establish alarms for activities where you tend to lose track of time.

Section 2.2: Incorporating Breaks into Your Routine

Previously, my days were filled with back-to-back tasks and no breaks, leading to burnout and procrastination through distractions like video games or mindless scrolling. To combat this, I now schedule regular breaks filled with less demanding activities, such as watching YouTube videos or reading a book. This strategy not only reduces procrastination but also allows me to recharge while gaining new insights.

Aim to incorporate breaks into your schedule—consider taking a 30-minute break after every two hours of focused work.