Pre-Time Blocking Strategies.

I have to admit it.

One of the hardest things that I have ever done is committing to blocking my time to complete a task. 

As I’m writing this, I have checked the latest comment to my post on Facebook.  Answered the telephone.  Answered a text from my husband.  And ate a snack.

OMG.  Just writing about what I just did makes me crazy. 

At the Mortgage Girlfriends Mastermind Retreat this year, Tricia Brouwers talked about the steps to take BEFORE you time block, because just “deciding” to time block doesn’t cut it.

1. Build a Bunker – Set up a specific time.  Make an appointment with yourself by adding it to your calendar.  Determine the place (location) that will work best.  It may not be your office.  It might be a coffee shop or at home. 

2. What Do You Hope to Accomplish – Create an outline (nothing specific now) and the reason why this time block is so important to you.  This creates a sense of urgency when you discover your why.

3. Store Provisions – What do you need in your office during the process?  A white board?  A printer? Food?

4. Sweep for land mines – Turn off (yes off, not down) all unnecessary technology. 

5. Enlist support – Tell others what you are up to.  Give them the timeframe of your time block.  Ask them not to interrupt you.  If it’s a family issue that comes up, give family members a code word or text that alerts you that there is a problem. 

What else would you add to this list?