Introduction: Exploring Two Proven Planning Techniques
Have you ever felt your rigid planning system traps you, but total flexibility leaves you unfocused? I’ve been there too. After much experimentation, I’ve found a way to get the best of both worlds.
On some days, rigid time blocking my day worked, while on others, the flexibility of the Anchor Technique was a better fit. But switching between the two felt disjointed, and I needed a way to merge them seamlessly. That’s when I discovered the power of using both approaches together.
While time blocking and the Anchor Technique each have their strengths, I needed something more flexible. This led me to develop a hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds.
The Basics: Time Blocking vs. Anchor Technique
Time blocking is when you estimate how long tasks will take in a given day and block the day with slots on your calendar (as if they were events) for all the tasks you plan to do that day. Time blocking helps me structure my day by assigning specific time slots for tasks and treating them like appointments.
The Anchor Technique, developed by Kourosh Dini, is more flexible: I list the tasks I want to work on that day and choose when and in what order to tackle them, crossing them off as I go. Combining these two techniques gives me both structure and the freedom to adapt.
My Hybrid Approach to Daily Planning
Recently, I’ve been using a hybrid approach. In the past, I usually did one or the other. Either I did strict time blocking, planning what tasks I wanted to do for a day and then assigning times to those on the calendar, or I did the Anchor Technique. Sometimes, I would use time blocking in the morning and the Anchor Technique in the afternoon.
Time blocking keeps my day structured, assigning each task a start and end time like calendar events. The Anchor Technique offers flexibility, letting me choose what to work on at the moment. By combining the two, I enjoy the structure of time blocking and the freedom of the Anchor Technique, adjusting my workflow depending on the day.
The beauty of the hybrid approach is that it’s adaptable. I can start my day with a clear schedule but adjust on the fly if something takes longer than expected or my priorities shift. It allows me to stay on top of my tasks without feeling restricted by rigid time slots.
How I Use NotePlan to Execute the Hybrid Approach
The NotePlan app has been the key to my hybrid approach. I could do it without It, but juggling multiple apps creates more friction. More often than not, I wouldn’t do it.
Juggling between apps for my calendar and task lists used to be a hassle, but it now feels effortless with NotePlan. Having everything I need in one place and NotePlan’s capabilities allow me to drag tasks from Reminders into my daily plan without breaking my flow. It’s like having a personal assistant who simplifies my workday.
A. Reviewing Tasks and Priorities
In NotePlan, I have my daily note, where I organize my daily plan, calendar, and Reminders tasks all in one display. I drag my tasks into my daily note template, which has three planning categories: possible tasks, today’s tasks, priority tasks, and time blocking.
As I do my daily planning, I decide which tasks to do that day out of all the possible tasks I could do. Then, I decide which task will be my priority out of those tasks. So, as I’m planning, I’m dragging tasks into different categories.
Some days require precision, where every minute counts, and time blocking shines. On other days, the flexibility to choose tasks based on energy and focus levels is exactly what I need to stay productive without burning out or feeling overly restricted.
B. Using the Anchor Technique for Flexibility
Sometimes, I do all the tasks using the Anchor Technique. When I’m ready to work on a task, I drag it down into the time-blocking category on my daily note templates, and then I drag that over to today’s calendar at the time that I want to begin that task.
I create time blocks for Anchor Technique tasks not to lock in a time to work on a task as in time blocking but to preserve a record of what I worked on during the day.
When I decide to work on another task, I repeat the process.
C. Time Blocking for Greater Control and Precision
Sometimes, I set up all tasks as blocks on the calendar with set starting and ending times. I drag all the tasks into the time-blocking category on my daily note template. Then, I use my process to turn all of them into time blocks on my calendar with starting and ending times.
As I go through the day, the time blocks are my marching orders. When the time comes to end one task and start another, I switch.
Balancing Structure and Flexibility
However, sometimes, I use a combination of the two approaches. For example, I’ll drag some tasks into the time-blocking category on my daily note template.
I’ll time-block those with set starting and ending times and leave the other tasks to work on as I choose during an unblocked period. When I decide to work on one of those optional tasks, I time block it on the calendar as well, so I can do both.
Ultimately, the hybrid method gives me the best of both worlds: control when I need it and flexibility when I don’t. I no longer have to choose between rigid structure and open-endedness. Instead, I can craft my day according to my energy levels, priorities, and the demands of the moment.
The Benefits of Flexibility: How Hybrid Planning Has Improved My Workflow
The most significant advantage of this approach is the freedom to adapt my planning to any situation. Some days, time blocking all tasks helps me stay laser-focused, while on others, the flexibility of the Anchor Technique lets me breathe and work at my own pace.
• Some days, time blocking may work better due to circumstances. If I’m pressed for time and have much to do that day, I may time block everything to keep me focused and on a schedule.
• On other days, the Anchor Technique works better if I want more margin and choice. If I have a lot of margin in my day, I’ll use the anchor technique. I choose tasks as my energy levels dictate.
• On some days, I’ll use a combination of both time blocking and the Anchor Technique. On days when I have an event I must prepare for, I’ll block the time immediately before the event but leave the rest of the day open to use the Anchor Technique. This balance keeps me productive without feeling constrained. I can use the combination of locking things in and flexibility, as I feel works best that day.
Your Next Step: Try the Hybrid Method
Ultimately, it’s not about choosing one method over the other but finding a system that works for you. By combining time blocking and the Anchor Technique, I’ve gained more control over my day while maintaining the flexibility I need to thrive.
If you’re tired of the all-or-nothing planning approach, try the hybrid method. Start by blending time blocking and the Anchor Technique, and see how it transforms your productivity.