I used to be in the latter group…until I discovered I was doing it all wrong.
This is a big deal for me, as someone who hates even thinking about time.
(Seriously, do not talk to me about time travel movies.)
Ive tried manytime tracking appsbefore, but even the simplest ones felt like torture to me.
I thought I was just a hopeless cause when it came to time tracking and time management.
That all changed for me about five months ago when I started using a productivity planner calledthe Passion Planner.
Surprisingly, its helped me start and enjoy time tracking.
This one has a large two-page spread for each week, with each day divided by the half-hour.
Its meant for appointments and events and other scheduling, but my days are boringly event-free.
(Id rather have events on a digital calendar anyway.)
I attempt to work in focused (usually 90 minute) blocks of time.
(Im stingy with stickers, though.)
Its colorful.Again, its the small things.
Its actuallyenjoyable, something Id never thought Id say about keeping tabs on every half hour of every day.
(You know its bad when youre taking a nap at 8:30 in the morning.
Forcing myself to write these things down, though, helps prevent myself from doing it too often.)
The system also keeps me accountable and focused.
These days, theres much more variety in the areas of my life Im spending my time.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
