Batch Processing: Managing Your Time Wisely
I’m trying a new time management system. It has been very successful for bloggers and other super busy individuals. I’m into my third day of utilizing it and I’m very happy with the results.
Darren Rowse at ProBlogger has some great posts on what is called Batching or Batch Processing. It involves dedicating blocks of time to tasks. It provides focus and productivity; and reduces distractions and wasted time. Just what my life is yearning for. Many professionals will probably tell you the exact or ideal way to execute batching. I’m going to tell you how I do it.
Do you plan your week based on the day of the week?
I’ve read many articles about planning what do on Mondays, Tuesdays… I wish I could do that more effectively. However, my tasks fluctuate depending on what’s happening in my household and my life overall. This Monday is never the same as next Monday. Because of that, I have been planning each weekday on the evening prior. That’s what works for me.
I list all the things that I need to do the following day in a notebook. Not a long to-do list–but a batch list with areas of focus. Below is what my typical batch list looks like.
After writing down the batched tasks, I assign a window of time to each depending on what I expect the next day to be like. I try to pad the time to allow for unexpected occurrences like the phone ringing, doorbell ringing, etc.
Some days this list has half of these tasks on it and the others are replaced with going out and running errands, preparing a meal that is time consuming, and doing a home project. As I said before, each day is different in my world. However, all things can still be done–just not all in the same day. Makes for less stress and more productivity.
While assigning a time frame to the batched tasks, I also jot down some specific tasks as a guide next to them.
This is not a fool-proof system. Some tasks will take longer than you anticipated, distractions will creep in, and your spouse may choose to work from home that day–thus preventing you from cleaning the room they are in.But if you work it, it will work out!
Had you heard of batch processing before reading this post?
Do you utilize this time management system in some form?
What is your biggest distraction during the day?
This sounds like a great plan. I love the idea of using a timer. I do that also, but it's not as organized as yours. A huge factor for me is that I work outside the home, so the time I have available for in house tasks including social media is extremely limited. I'm gonna use this as a guide for me. Great post!
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Crazy thing is I have a large amount of time to use to my advantage, but still feel like I need more!
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I have never heard of such a system but I'm kinda liking it. I think I'll give this a try. Being organized is one of my goals. I'm going to give this a try tonight. Thanks for the tip. Visiting from the blog hop
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Glad you like it. It's exactly what I need to finish the many things I start.
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I think batch processing is the way I've always done things. I'd much rather do three loads of laundry on one day than do one load of laundry on three days. I don't know if it's really the optimal way to do things, but it works for me – mostly. Another tactic that helps me is setting fences or boundaries around things. For instance, no one in my house is allowed to switch on a TV or set down at a computer if there is housework that needs to be done, or if we have somewhere we need to be early in the morning. It's like a huge magnet that sucks up everyone's attention and brings everything to a screeching halt. I will even put post-it-notes on my computer saying “Adrian can not be on this computer until 11:00 AM”. That helps more than you would think to keeping me focused.
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I should implement more boundaries for myself. I use them with my 6 year old on school mornings. No iPod Touch for him while getting ready for school. It's more distracting for him than watching TV.
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I love that you took someone else's system and tweaked it to make it your own. For so many years I tried this system or that system. But finding one that kind of fits and then making adjustments for what actually fits my life and my personality is the only way it has ever worked for me. And I had to learn that as my life changes, that system might no longer fit and it might be time to find a new one to make my own. Thanks for giving me another one to study and ponder.
Happy Sharefest. Have a lovely weekend.
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I'm glad you enjoyed the information. I'm always seeking a way to improve how I do things. Batching is working for me these days.
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Bookmarking! I need to do this. I am going to give it a shot next week! Thanks for sharing it!
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Great. It has been a huge help for me this week.
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I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I do it correctly. There's hope for me yet!
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I love this! I can so see myself getting into it. I do something of this nature in my head and some written but I am going to give it a shot Kimberly! THanks hun!
What a great system. I may need to learn more about this to use my time more wisely!
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I so needed something to keep my attention on the task at hand. Thanks, Susannah!
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