I’m Mike Vardy, and I help people build a better relationship with time — not by controlling it, but by working with it. Through my writing, courses, and community, I explore how intention and attention shape a more meaningful life — one rooted in the original idea of productiveness over productivity.
The Difference Between Time Theming and Time Blocking
Hello Reader,
You’ve probably heard of both of these tactics: Time theming and time blocking. They may sound the same, but there are differences. And they aren’t minor differences, either.
With time theming, you assign themes or categories to blocks of time. This can be done with hours (Horizontal Theming), days (Daily Theming), weeks (Weekly Theming), or even months (you guessed it – Monthly Theming). These “themes” help you stay focused and organized… and ultimately help you be more productive.
With time blocking, you schedule specific blocks of time for tasks or projects. This allows you to prioritize more effectively. These blocks aren’t set in stone, either. They can vary in length and where they sit on your calendar from day to day, week to week, and so on.
To decide which method is best for you, consider your personal preferences and working style. If you prefer structure and routine with some flexibility in the mix, time theming may work well for you. If you like more flexibility and specificity in your schedule, time blocking may be a better fit. Additionally, think about the types of tasks you have to complete and how you work best. If you have a lot of tasks with varying levels of urgency, time blocking may be more helpful. If you have tasks that require different types of focus, time theming may be a better choice.
Ultimately, finding what works best for you will be what improves your relationship with time more than anything else. Experiment with both and adjust as needed until you find a strategy that helps you stay focused, prioritize your tasks, and craft your time in a way that works best for you.
See you later,
Mike
P.S. There's no better place to learn more about both of these tactics (and others) than at the Task Management and Time Blocking Summit, which is ongoing until March 4th. Click here to learn more and register.
The Practice of Productiveness
I’m Mike Vardy, and I help people build a better relationship with time — not by controlling it, but by working with it. Through my writing, courses, and community, I explore how intention and attention shape a more meaningful life — one rooted in the original idea of productiveness over productivity.
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