Block Time to Achieve the Unthinkable

Early in my career I juggled speaking, writing, consulting, and freelance photography—often all in one week. I’d awaken on Monday thinking, “Okay, today I’ll finally write that inspiring article.” By noon, my calendar was crammed with calls, meetings, and family errands. By five I felt defeated. Then I discovered the power of calendar blocking. Every Sunday I carved out the coming week’s deep-work hours, labeling them “Creation Zone,” “Strategy Time,” or “Photography Sessions.”

At first it felt strange: I declined last-minute coffee invites and silenced my phone for two-hour stretches. But almost immediately, my productivity soared. I wrote proposals in less time and with more clarity. My photography edits were richer because I had room to focus on detail. I even found I had extra windows to explore new ideas. With my schedule under control, I no longer felt frantic. I rediscovered why I took on these roles in the first place: to be creative, strategic, and impactful.

Neuroscience calls this “attention residue”—when your mind isn’t freed from one task, it can’t fully engage in the next. Calendar blocking eliminates that residue. By guarding your time, you let your brain dive deep without interruption. It’s a simple shift that transforms scattered days into focused, high-impact weeks.

Each Sunday evening, open your calendar and slot dedicated time for your top priorities—free of distractions and demands. When your reminder pings, close every other tab, silence alerts, and honor that promise to yourself. You’ll be surprised how quickly your work sharpens and your confidence returns.