Timeboxing vs Timeblocking

Timeboxing and timeblocking are both productivity techniques - they sound similar but work differently.

Timeboxing

In this method you set yourself a set amount of time to complete a task. This prevents tasks from taking too long and gives you focus - you are going to mark it as done when the time is up. If a task is big, it can be split up into smaller chunks and each can be timeboxed. You can add these blocks to your calendar to give you more focus to get the task done.

Timeblocking

This method creates regular blocks of time in you calendar that you reserve for specific tasks. You group together all tasks of a common type. For example “answer all emails between 9 and 10”. This helps prevent context switching and gets through those tasks faster. The problem with this method is that it takes agency away from you - doing the same thing at the same time can get repetitive and makes you feel like you are not in control. Other common mistakes with this method are creating very small time blocks and filling your day entirely with them, which creates a similar problem to the above.