Use Timeboxing System

A SIMPLE TIMEBOXING SYSTEM FOR TURNING TASKS INTO MINI GOALS

What is timeboxing?

• Timeboxing is a simple system for turning your list of to-do’s into a set of mini-goals with deadlines that you accomplish with the use of a countdown timer

Here’s the process

1. Decide the size of the timeboxes you will work within (30-50 minutes), with each chunk of time being one box.
2. On a piece of paper or digital document, list the tasks you want to accomplish for the day.
3. For each task on your list, assign how many timeboxes you want to set aside to complete it. For example:
   • Complete sales presentation script (6, 30-minute timeboxes are being set aside for this task)

4. Grab a timer, either an egg timer or a countdown timer on your phone or tablet.
5. Select a task, set your timer for the length of your timebox (30-50 minutes), start it, and do nothing but work on the selected task.
6. When the timer expires, take a break for 5-10 minutes.
7. If the task you were working on requires more than one timebox to complete, then repeat Steps 4, 5, and 6. If not, move on to the next task.

Why does Timeboxing is a simple system

• Clarity – The list of tasks you create gives your brain clear direction about what you need to be done for the day, so resistance to doing those tasks is minimized
• Motivation – Assigning each task a block of time to complete it gives you fuel in the form of a deadline, which is a strong motivation to get the task done
• Momentum – Each time you complete a box of time, you experience a sense of accomplishment, which drives you to do more

CHALLENGE/NEXT ACTIONS

• Plan and accomplish the tasks for your day tomorrow using the timeboxing process described above
• When you discover how awesome timeboxing is, do it the next day, and so on

What is Timeboxing and why is it used?