This week during Sunday Morning Rounds, I have an assignment for you📝.
I want you to think about a project you've been wanting to start but have been putting off for a while🤔.
Perhaps it's reading that book that's been sitting on your coffee table📗, or a home alteration you've been dreading to start🛠️.
Maybe it's watching all my USMLE Step 1 High Yield Images videos as you prepare for your board exams😜.
It can be difficult to do something we've been putting off as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life😵💫.
One easy and effective way to take back control of your calendar is with time blocking.
Time blocking is a productivity technique that involves dedicating discrete blocks of time to completing specific tasks🕒.
Check out the image below for an example of time blocking ⬇️
In this graphic, there are preset blocks of time for each task. Blue might be going to the gym, pink might be spending time with friends, etc.
Time blocking can be an effective tool for completing tasks because it trains our brain to focus on each task or assignment within its allotted time🧠. This empowers us to have a sense of control and reduces the chance that we might get sidetracked with another project or attempt to multitask🙅🏽♂️.
So how might this look for a medical student during dedicated study time for board exams? I'm glad you asked!⬇️
This is only a loose example, but hopefully one thing that is apparent with this time blocked calendar is that the student has plenty of time for studying and doing UWorld questions, but this is balanced with exercise, breaks, and social activities⚖️.
By time blocking our calendar, we can clearly see what our schedule will look like for the day while also ensuring we've allowed enough time for activities outside of just work and studying🎈.
Time blocking can be done for a few hours, for a whole day, or even for an entire week, but it's best to start slow and find what works for you.👍
If you're studying for your board exams or simply want to tackle a task you've been procrastinating on, give time blocking a try!
🗺️ Something I discovered: This Time Block Planner is a beautiful physical calendar for those who want to try time blocking but prefer to write things out.
💜 Something I love: The Clever Fox is probably one of the best planners I've used, with dedicated weekly and monthly spreads as well as plenty of space for goals and mind mapping.
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