The Focused Method’s Core: Intentional Blocking
The sweet spot between chaos and rigidity is a system we call Intentional Blocking. It combines the structural power of time blocking with the prioritizing focus of the 1-3-5 rule. It’s simple, adaptable, and incredibly effective.
Let’s define our terms. Time blocking is a time management method where you plan out your day by dividing it into specific blocks of time. Instead of a to-do list, you have a calendar with dedicated slots for each task or activity. For example, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM might be blocked for “Draft Q3 Report.”
This is powerful because it helps defeat multitasking and its hidden cost, known as context switching. Context switching is the process your brain goes through when it moves from one unrelated task to another. Every switch costs you time and mental energy. According to research cited by institutions like the American Psychological Association, even brief mental blocks created by shifting between tasks can cost as much as 40 percent of someone’s productive time. By dedicating a block to a single task, you minimize these switches. You can explore more on this topic at https://www.apa.org/.
But what happens when that block gets interrupted? This is where the flexibility layer comes in: the 1-3-5 Rule. Each day, you identify:
- One big, high-impact task you must accomplish.
- Three medium-sized, important tasks.
- Five small, quick tasks.
Your calendar blocks are created to make progress on this priority list. Your 9-11 AM block is for your “1” task. A later block might be for two of your “3” tasks. Another might be for batching all five of your “5” tasks.
This combination is the key. Your time blocks provide the structure and focus. Your 1-3-5 list provides the flexibility. If a meeting is scheduled over your deep work block, you don’t panic. You look at your priority list and the new open spaces in your day and make a conscious decision. Maybe you can tackle one of your medium tasks in that new 45-minute slot. Maybe you move the deep work block to the afternoon. You have a menu of pre-approved priorities to choose from, which eliminates decision fatigue and keeps you moving forward.
