Happy 2025, everyone! As we enter the new year, I wanted to reflect and discuss my schedule during the months of November-December (spoiler alert: it was super busy and hectic as the end of the year usually is) and how I stayed on top of everything!
At the end of the year, as projects close out or begin to reach its end, deadlines tend to become tight with multiple different items being due back-to-back. I am sure those reading this can relate–whether in work with projects closing out or in school studying for exams–everyone has experienced the pressure of multiple deadlines at least once.
I was definitely not an exception. In order to stay on top of everything at the end of the year, I used a few different methods to keep myself on track.
Time Blocking
For those that don’t know what the Time Blocking method is, it is where you set time aside by the hour for a certain item. Personally, when it comes to Time Blocking, I prefer using an hourly planner to ensure I make time for every item. This is especially beneficial if each item or task you are working on requires a different skillset or technique. In other words, you need to set a brief 5-10 minute buffer so your brain can refocus on the different task at hand and switch your concentration to something entirely different. By giving yourself some time to refocus within your time blocking method or “switch gears,” this will allow you to effectively plan your schedule so you can have time to enter the flow state and complete your work. This method will apply to all varieties of tasks whether it is work-related or personal.
You can map it out on tools such as Google Calendar using the hourly view, or use an hourly planner like I did.
Example Below:
In my example, I color coded my meetings in pink and focus periods in blue to make it easier to read. You don’t have to do this, but I found this to be the most fun and effective method for myself personally (and making things fun always help to enjoy the task at hand more!)
Completing my Most Difficult Tasks at the Beginning of the Day
This next piece of advice is dependent on the individual. For me, I have the most energy and can focus the best in the morning, around 10 – 11 AM. By knowing this about myself, I can rearrange my schedule for that day so I can complete my most complex and rigorous tasks in the morning instead of towards the end of the day when I feel most depleted of energy.
If you are someone that has better focus and attention in the afternoon, then please set more simple tasks in the morning, and your more challenging tasks after lunch. This way, you can allocate your heaviest workload to when your energy levels are naturally at its peak, resulting in more efficiency, productivity, and optimization of work.
Conclusion
With these new skills in mind, hopefully we can all have a productive 2025 and reach our goals for the new year!
What are some goals or ideas you have for 2025? Comment below!