• Always block out more time for an important task than you think you’ll need. Things almost always take longer than we think they will! Start by giving yourself twice as much time as you think you’ll need, and then maybe drop it down to 50 percent more once you’ve gotten better at estimating.
• If you can, try to block your time into one- to two-hour chunks. Research shows that this is the optimum amount of time to work in one stretch—long enough that you can really dig in, but not so long that your brain turns off.
• Schedule buffer blocks each day. Buffer blocks are chunks of unstructured time you can use to catch up if you get behind or to handle any urgent matters that come up that day. Keep in mind that the more unpredictable your day, the more buffer time you should include in your schedule.
• Don’t forget to account for time spent commuting and/or getting ready.
• Don’t be shy about scheduling blocks for fun and recreation—time for exercise, meditation, watching TV, reading, family time, or just unstructured free time. Everyone needs a break sometimes, and planning for downtime allows you to enjoy it guilt-free, knowing there’s nothing else you “should” be doing right then.