We are in a digital world, using tools like google calendar for time blocking can act as a reminder for what to do next. If we don’t use such tools we need to view our planner or physical calendar again and again. Personally, I didn’t knew using google calendar effectively, but after reading blogposts here I am writing my learnings.
I am excitedly interested in google calendar. After your planner this is the only tool you need to take care of your productivity.
I’ll share six tips for using a calendar the right way to block your time and boost your productivity. But before that let me tell you what time blocking is and what are its benefits.
Related Read: /productivity
What does time blocking mean?
Basically, time blocking is when you break up your day into chunks of time and assign specific tasks to each block. For example, you might block out 9-11am for studying, 11-12pm for exercise, 12-1pm for lunch, and so on.
The idea is that by planning out your day in advance and sticking to a schedule, you can be more focused and efficient with your time. Plus, it can help you avoid distractions and procrastination because you have a clear plan for what you need to do.
Benefits of time blocking.
- It will save you a tonne of time.
- You will have clarity of what to do next.
- Your productivity will boost.
- It will tell you where you are heading.
- Time blocking will help you choose priorities wisely.
- Reflecting on your day becomes clearer, etc.
Google Calendar for Time Blocking
Google calendar is my personal favorite tool for productivity, especially I think it was made specifically for time blocking.
So, why should you use Google Calendar for time blocking? Well, for starters, it’s a great way to stay organized and on top of your schedule.
I’d recommend it because it’s simple to use and the UI is pretty amazing., minimalistic and understandable, also you can use it to set meetings, reminders and to-do lists with little effort. Plus, Google Calendar is free and easy to use, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on fancy tools or software.
Simple steps to setup your calendar
Now that you know how helpful Google Calendar can be for time blocking, let’s walk through the steps for setting it up.
- Sign in
- Create a new calendar
- Add events
- Set up time blocks
- Customize your view & you are good to go.
Tips to Use Google Calendar Effectively for Time Blocking
After getting into your calendar and understanding basic things you are now ready to finally start blocking your days.
But you must also have an idea of THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE adding time blocks.
Before you start blocking your time
So, you now know how you can block your time using google calendar but to effectively use the calendar you must be clear about these five things.
- Be clear about your long term goals.
- Narrow your long term goals into quarterly, monthly and weekly.
- You must have a daily todo list.
- Have a rough daily planner, (quarterly, like 6-9, 9-12 & so on)
- Commit to follow and ADD reward already.
6 tips to block time effective with google calendar
Use clear and specific event names.
When creating events in Google Calendar, it’s important to use clear and specific event names. This can help you to quickly understand what each event is for and avoid confusion.
For example, instead of using a vague event name like “Meeting,” try something like “Marketing Team Meeting at 2 pm” to ensure everyone knows exactly what the meeting is for and when it’s happening.
Even apart from any calendar software, using clear and specific names is helpful, simply because you and others can understand it easily.
Use color coding to quickly identify different types of events and tasks.
Make it colorful for better personal interest. Color coding your events can help you quickly identify different types of events and tasks.
For example, you could use one color for work-related events and another color for personal appointments. This can help you to quickly scan your calendar and prioritize your time accordingly.
In addition to using color coding in Google Calendar, you can also apply this strategy to other areas of your life. Like, you can color code your notes, to-do lists, or project management tools. By consistently using the same colors for different types of tasks, you can quickly identify what needs to be done and prioritize your time accordingly.
Furthermore, color coding can help you to easily recognize patterns or trends in your schedule.
Indicate your availability to avoid scheduling conflicts.
To avoid scheduling conflicts, make sure to indicate your availability in Google Calendar. This can help others see when you’re free or busy and schedule events accordingly. You can easily set your availability by marking an event as “busy” or “available” in the event details.
By indicating your availability in Google Calendar, you can minimize the mental energy by not overthinking about your time and task placement.
Indicating your availability you can easily set boundaries and say no to unnecessary tasks or meetings.
Add descriptions to your events.
Adding descriptions to your events can provide additional context and details to help you stay organized and productive. This is especially helpful for events that require specific preparation or have multiple steps involved.
For example, for a “Client Presentation” event, you could add a description with important notes or reminders, such as “Finalize PowerPoint deck and print handouts.”
Consider whether an event is better suited as a one-time or recurring event.
A one-time event is a single, standalone event that occurs on a specific date and time.
On the other hand, a recurring event is an event that happens regularly, such as a weekly meeting or a monthly appointment.
Before creating an event, consider whether it would be better suited as a one-time or recurring event. For instance, if you have a weekly team meeting, setting it up as a recurring event can save you time and ensure everyone is on the same page.
By deciding whether an event is better suited as a one-time or recurring event, you can simplify your scheduling and avoid having to create the same event multiple times.
Final thoughts
Time blocking with Google Calendar can be a powerful tool for increasing productivity and managing your time effectively. By–
breaking your day into manageable chunks, assigning specific tasks to each block, you can avoid distractions and stay focused on your priorities.
Overall benefits of time blocking with Google Calendar include improved task management, better work-life balance, and reduced stress.
To recap, the best practices for using Google Calendar for time blocking include:
- using clear and specific event names,
- adding descriptions to events,
- indicating your availability to avoid scheduling conflicts,
- considering whether an event is better suited as a one-time or recurring event, and
- using color coding to quickly identify different types of events and tasks.
By following these tips and incorporating time blocking into your daily routine, you can make the most of your time and achieve your goals with greater ease.
I encourage you to try time blocking for yourself and see the benefits firsthand.
Remember, it may take some time to find the time blocking strategy that works best for you, but with practice and patience, you can unlock the full potential of Google Calendar and take control of your time.
Good day, Happy time blocking!⏲