What if the most powerful productivity hack wasn’t doing more—it was protecting time for what matters most?

In this episode, Alex breaks down Time Blocking, the #1 tool that helped his team eliminate distractions, reduce reactivity, and consistently finish high-value work—faster.

You’ll learn how to:

• Shift from reactive mode to deep, focused execution
• Use time blocks for strategy, writing, creative work—even repetitive tasks
• Protect your most valuable hours using 4 powerful tactics
• Reduce attention residue and multitasking fatigue
• Avoid the biggest mistake people make with time blocking (and how to fix it)

You’ll also hear insights from a recent beta group who ran this experiment and saw immediate improvements in both productivity and measurable KPIs.

This Episode's Experiment:

The Time Blocking Challenge

Use this 3-step system to build and protect one high-value time block each day:

→ Choose one high-value task (not just urgent)
→ Batch similar work to avoid switching
→ Protect your time using these 4 strategies:

• Build a Bunker
• Store Provisions
• Sweep for Mines
• Enlist Support

Then track your results:

• Did you accomplish more in less time?
• Was the quality of your work better?
• How did it feel to work with that level of clarity and focus?

Try it for one week—and see what happens.

Resources Mentioned:

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

• Deep Work by Cal Newport
• UC Irvine research on attention residue (Gloria Mark)
• Tim Ferriss on 2–5 hour creative blocks
• Ultradian rhythm research on focus cycles
• Episode#6 : Work Less, Achieve More—The Ultimate Routine Shift (Click link to listen)

Connect with Alex:
Tried the time block experiment? Hit a flow state?
DM Alex on LinkedIn—he’d love to hear what changed for you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gafford-09b2b87/

Stay Tuned:
Next episode: The final proactive strategy in the productivity pyramid -Optimizing Meetings—how to reduce, improve, and restructure your calendar to make space for real, focused work.