I've been using Time Blocks for the past 4 months now and I can't express how much more productive it has made me. In this post, I will be discussing what are time blocks, how it has helped me and why you should add it to your arsenal of tools.

While there are varying definitions of what time blocks are, I will be providing my definition of it in relation to reselling. Time blocks are mapped out hours of the day that are used to focus on one task and one task only. Time blocks in essence keeps you on track by avoiding multitasking and task switching. 

There was a time when I thought focusing on one task for as long as I can will make me more productive. For example, when I did product shots, I used to do it for about 4-6 hours straight without switching to another task. I realized this method of working made things really BORING because I was doing the same thing over and over. There were some days when I didn't see any end to the task that was at hand. Sometimes I would even continue the next day continuing the same task that I was doing yesterday. Again, the monotony of the task was physically and mentally draining. As far as productivity, I knew I wasn't as sharp at hour number 6 compared to hour number 1. Needless to say, something has to change.

I'm not sure where or how I stumbled upon time blocks but trying it was one of the best things I did to boost my productivity and effectiveness all around. 

I figured out that 1 hour was a time frame that I can stick to one task with without losing interest, so I blocked my time out into hours. The hour of the day didn't matter, what mattered was that I only did 1 task for a maximum of 1 hour at a time and switch to another task. My schedule went something like this:

Although there needs to be time spent shipping, sourcing and other "once-a-week" activities, this was my basic schedule. If the activity didn't take 1 hour, I would take my 5-10 minute break after the task is done and move onto the next one. Also, if a task requires more than 1 hour (listing, for example,  requires more time than shooting), I would put the task back in mid process but I would not but 2 listing hours back-to-back unless it was absolutely necessary.

I found that a huge advantage of using time blocks is the metal "race" of doing as much as you can of a certain activity quickly because you only have 1 hour. Giving yourself a time limit really puts some pep in that step. 

Another big advantage is of this method is the luxury of knowing that a new task is coming so your boredom of the task at hand will soon be coming to an end!

Using the time block method, I can consistently get on average 100 items up and listed within 2 cycles of the time block I listed above. 

If increased productivity isn't enough to convince you to use time blocks then understand that this productivity hack is FREE! Just take out a paper and list your activities. When you're ready to work, set a 1-hour timer on your phone and get to it.

Again, I use 1 hour blocks because that's what works for me. Maybe you can try 30 minutes or even 2 hour blocks. My rule of thumb is to call it time when boredom sets in. That's how I would time my blocks.

Lastly, when you're working, stay off your phone and only pick it up if there are new offers on your items. Everything else can wait.

Again, this technique is totally FREE and you can start it right NOW! If it doesn't work for you then you lost nothing. 

Let me know if you guys have any questions, just comment below.