Mastering Time Blocking: Stay Focused and Inspired as a Photographer | Photography Business Coach

Today, we're diving deep into a powerful time management tool that has revolutionized my productivity and kept me inspired throughout the day: Time Blocking.

Those of you who follow me on the gram have probably seen me post about this - it is the backbone of my day and how I have learned to manage large projects and business goals with more ease (and my sanity). Here's a photographer's guide to a positive workflow that keeps you focused and inspired throughout the day. ⏰📆📸 

As photographers, we wear many hats – from commuting, shooting to managing our business and everything in between. It's easy to get overwhelmed and lose focus, been there! Time blocking is an easy, sustainable, and super helpful tool to help you reclaim control over your time + schedule.

What is Time Blocking?

Time blocking is a technique where you break your day into distinct chunks of time, dedicating each block to a specific task or activity. By setting aside focused intervals for each responsibility, you can eliminate distractions and make the most of your time.

Create Your Time Blocks

The first step to effective time blocking is to create a schedule that aligns with your business AND your lifestyle.

Start by listing all the essential tasks you need to accomplish daily or weekly. This could include editing sessions, client consultations, marketing efforts, social media management, or personal activities (aka meal prep, exercise, self-care). Next, divide your day into designated time blocks, allotting specific durations for each task. For instance, you might reserve the mornings for creative photography work, afternoons for administrative tasks, and evenings for personal time or content creation (see a sample day for me below!).

Benefits of Time Blocking:

• Boosted Productivity: With time blocking, you're laser-focused on one task at a time, eliminating the temptation to multitask. As a result, you'll notice an increase in productivity and the quality of your work.

• Reduced Decision Fatigue: When you have a clear schedule, you don't waste precious minutes wondering what to do next. Embrace the clarity and let time blocking ease your decision-making process.

• Enhanced Creativity: By dedicating specific blocks to creative work, you'll create a conducive environment for inspiration and flow, no more forcing it.

• Improved Work-Life Balance: Time blocking allows you to set aside designated periods for work and personal life, ensuring you have time for both, without one overshadowing the other. This takes practice, but you will see a shift once you get in the habit of using this as a tool in your life.

Stay Committed to Your Blocks

While time blocking is incredibly effective, it requires commitment and discipline. Treat your time blocks as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Limit distractions during these blocks and immerse yourself fully in the task at hand.

Flexibility and Adaptation

Remember, flexibility is key. Life is unpredictable and sometimes plans change. Don't be too hard on yourself if you need to adjust your schedule occasionally. The beauty of time blocking lies in its adaptability. As does everything 🙂

Time blocking is a game-changer for photographers seeking to stay focused, organized, and inspired throughout their day. By breaking your schedule into manageable blocks, you'll conquer tasks more efficiently, freeing up space for creativity and balance. So, grab my template below and give time blocking a try.

Embrace the newfound control over your day and watch as your productivity soars, it feels so good to take control of your days.

SAMPLE OF AN OFFICE DAY FOR ME USING TIME BLOCKING:

My main recommendation here is to map out your workday using 1.5-2 time blocks for MAXIMUM productivity, energy, and balance!

• 6:30 am - Wake, Coffee, Personal Morning Routine

• 8:30 - Begin work

• 8:30 - 10:30 am - Creative work: Prep editing jobs to be outsourced over coffee and music (believe it or not, this still takes so much time!)

• 10:30 - 12 pm - Content creation, coaching content + student support

• 12 pm - Lunch + Break + 5000 step walk/run

• 1 pm - 3 pm - Client Calls

• 3 pm - 5 pm - Marketing prep, social media strategy, backend business maintenance + workflow maintenance

• 5 pm - SHUT OFF COMPLETELY!

• 5 - 7:30 pm - Family time

• 7:30 - 9 pm - SELF-CARE (bath, reading, stretch, meal prep, podcasts, zone out…be human!!!)