If you’re always scrolling LinkedIn at work, you’re not alone—here’s the fix.

Ever felt like LinkedIn or IG or X etc. are making you addict that even when you're at your work desk, you still can't stop yourself scrolling there?

Have you ever calculated how much time they consume each week and how easily they distract you from the work that needs your focus?

I recently did this calculation myself and was surprised to find I was spending 2 hours a day (10 hours a week) on LinkedIn alone. I’m not very active on other platforms yet and have no plans to be until my new habits become second nature.

LinkedIn had turned into an addiction for me. I found myself scrolling while having snacks or lunch, or even while walking around. While it's essential to be consistent, engage, and make new connections to grow your network, being constantly online isn’t necessary.

I once saw a post from a LinkedIn guru who mentioned having multiple screens, one of which is dedicated to keeping LinkedIn open. This may work for him, as he's the CEO of a large agency with established systems and processes. But for where you and I are in our careers, can we afford such distractions? To reach that level, you need to work on your time management habits. What has worked for me is Time Blocking.

What is Time Blocking?

Time Blocking is a strategy for planning your day by allocating specific chunks of time to different tasks. This method helps you focus on one task at a time, improves efficiency, and prevents you from spending too much time perfecting tasks. It’s like creating a personalized daily schedule that guides you toward better productivity.

Why Time Blocking is Effective

• Stops Indecision: You plan tasks in advance, reducing last-minute decisions.

• Improves Focus: Designating specific times for tasks reduces distractions and multitasking.

• Uses Time Wisely: Helps track time use and prioritize important tasks.

• Evens Out Work: Ensures all main tasks are completed, balancing your workload.

• Raises Accountability: A clear schedule makes it easier to see if you’re on track and boosts productivity.

• Reduces Stress: Allocating time for each task lessens the anxiety of a lengthy to-do list.

• Enhances Concentration: Encourages deep, focused work on one task at a time.

How I Use Time Blocking:

Defining my Blocks:

I schedule my blocks every 3 months:

• 7:00am to 7:30am: Exercise

• 7:30am to 9:00am: Breakfast and kids' school run (not for work)

• 9:00am to 9:30am: Email/Communication or Meeting (alternating)

• 9:30am to 11:00am: Deep/Client Work (No distractions; phone in another room)

• 11:00am to 12:00pm: Social Media (LinkedIn post and engagement)

• 12:00pm to 1:00pm: Lunch

• 1:00pm to 4:00pm (Mon to Thu): Deep/Client Work; On Friday: 1 hour Deep/Client Work, 2 hours Training (client sessions, team meetings, or personal learning)

• 4:00pm to 4:30pm: Admin Work

• 4:30pm to 5:00pm: Meeting or Email/Communication (alternating); On Friday: Weekly Planning

• 8:00pm to 9:00pm: Client meetings (Tues and Thu); Mon and Wed: Free for pending or urgent tasks

• Sunday: 2-hour block for LinkedIn content creation (plan and write posts for the week)

(If you want access to the Calendar template, click here to request access and I will provide)

Planning My Week

Every Friday, I fill these blocks with focused work, meetings, and admin tasks. I prioritize important tasks, placing significant projects in the first and second Deep/Client Work blocks.

Staying Focused

During each time block, I focus solely on the assigned task. I minimize distractions by silencing notifications and letting others know I'm in a focused work period. This helps me dive deep into the task without interruption.

Review and Adjust Weekly

Reflect on what worked, adjust for the next week.

Results I've Seen:

• 3x more high-priority tasks completed daily.

• 80% reduction in "where did my day go?" feeling.

• Finished work every day instead of ongoing tasks.

• Stress levels decreased by 60%.

Tips to Make the Most of Time Blocking:

• Start with Your Ideal Day: Block out how you'd spend a perfect day.

• Be Realistic: Avoid overscheduling; leave room for unexpected tasks.

• Colour Code: Use different colours for various types of tasks.

• Protect Your Blocks: Treat them like important meetings.

• Be Adaptable: Adjust your blocks when necessary, but maintain the main plan.

Time blocking isn’t about creating a rigid schedule; it’s about using a flexible system to manage your day and focus on what’s important. The trick is finding a balance between organization and adaptability that suits you.

Remember: If you schedule it, it's more likely to get done.

So, make sure to set aside time for your key tasks, and you'll see your productivity rise.

Try time blocking your morning tomorrow to start. You'll be surprised at how much more you get done.

Whenever you are ready to optimise your systems: