“Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin
How many times have you heard someone say, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day”? I’ve said it myself plenty of times. But here’s the truth: we all get the same 24 hours. The difference between those who stay stuck and those who grow isn’t more hours – it’s how they use the ones they already have.
That’s where time blocking comes in. Done right, it doesn’t just maximize productivity – it protects your headspace and ensures you’re focusing on the things that matter most.
The Power of Headspace
One of the biggest mistakes I see leaders make is trying to cram conflicting tasks into the same day. For example: working on financial budgets and then flipping right into sales calls.
Think about it. Budgets are restrictive by nature… you’re analyzing costs, cutting expenses, holding the line. Sales, on the other hand, require confidence, energy, and creativity. Doing both in one day almost guarantees that emotion leaks from one into the other. You’ll either make poor financial decisions because you’re too hyped from sales – or you’ll undersell yourself because you’re still stuck in scarcity mode from budgeting.
Time blocking gives you the ability to protect your mental state. It’s not just about the hours on your calendar— – t’s about creating the right headspace for the work in front of you.
My 4:10 AM Start
To make this work, I’ve had to take ownership of my mornings. Here’s how it looks:
4:10 AM – Wake up. (Yes, the coffee is already set the night before.)
4:15–5:15 AM – Time with Jesus, devotion create, and reading a few pages of a personal growth book that’s separate from the Bible. Filling both my soul and my mind.
5:15–6:05 AM – Workout. Nothing clears the fog like a good sweat first thing in the morning.
6:05–7:00 AM – Prep for the day. By 7:00 AM, I’m ready to hit the world running.
That routine sets the tone. My day hasn’t even “started” yet, but I’ve already prioritized my faith, daily growth, and health & wellness(mental and physical).
Turning 4 Days Into 12
Here’s where it gets fun. I break down my Monday–Thursday into three parts per day, so in reality I get 12 working days out of four.
Part 1 (Morning): Must-Do’s
This includes my most important projects and always starts with personal growth. No distractions, no noise – Just needle-moving work.
Part 2 (Midday): Task/To-Do List
This is where I tackle the action items… emails, calls, follow-ups, and things that keep the business machine running.
Part 3 (Evening): Family/Activities
When the workday ends, I don’t just collapse on the couch(even though sometimes it doesn’t sound 1/2 bad). I block time for my family and activities. That’s intentional time—because I don’t want to give my family my leftovers.
Notice I didn’t include Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in this breakdown. That’s by design. Those days have a different rhythm, and I want margin in my week for rest, reflection, and relationships.
Why This Matters
When you time block, you aren’t just managing your schedule – you’re managing your energy, headspace, and priorities. It’s not about being busy; it’s about being intentional.
Instead of asking, “How do I get more hours in my day?” the real question is, “How do I get more life out of the hours I already have?”
For me, the answer has been time blocking. It’s how I stay focused on what matters most… faith, family, my team, and growth – while still leading at a high level.
We’re all busy. But here’s the real question: is your busy actually moving the needle forward, or just keeping you spinning?
This week, take control of your calendar. Block the time. Guard your headspace. And make sure your “busy” is building the future you’re called to lead!