The Creative Brain & Task Batching.
I'm stoked to be talking about a topic that can revolutionize how you get things done: task batching. I know you might be thinking eww lame and have done this before. But just read to the end and hopefully you’ll get a tip or two to help you out. Now, if you caught my last blog post in this series , you'll remember we debunked the myth of the messy genius and talked about how our creative brains aren't exactly built for rigid schedules. Instead, we thrive on flexibility and aligning our work with our natural rhythms.
Today, we're building on that by introducing a strategy that'll help you leverage that creative energy and get more done.
Contents
What is Task Batching?
Understanding the Different Types of Tasks
Task Batching for Writers
What is Task Batching?
So, what exactly is task batching? Simply put, it's like grouping similar tasks together and tackling them in dedicated blocks of time. Think of it like sorting your laundry – you wouldn't wash one sock at a time, right? You'd do a whole load of darks, then a load of lights or clothing and then linens. Task batching works the same way, but for your to-do list.
Now, you might be wondering, "Why bother with task batching? I'm a multitasker, I can handle it!" But here's the thing, my friend – context switching is a creativity killer. Every time you jump between different types of tasks, your brain must reorient itself, and that takes a toll on your energy and focus. It's like trying to watch three different movies at the same time – you might catch bits and pieces, but you won't fully enjoy or understand any of them.
By batching your tasks, you're giving your brain the gift of deep focus. You're allowing it to get into that sweet spot of flow state where your creativity can really shine. So, instead of ping-ponging between writing, editing, answering emails, and scheduling social media posts, you might dedicate a morning to writing, an afternoon to emails, and an evening to social media.
Understanding the Different Types of Tasks
Now, before you start batching away, it's important to understand the different types of tasks you're dealing with:
Creative vs. Administrative: Separate those big, juicy creative projects from the mundane admin stuff. Your brain needs different energy levels for each.
Deep vs. Shallow Work: Schedule longer blocks for those deep work tasks that require focus, and shorter bursts for quick, shallow tasks.
Urgent vs. Important: Not everything that's urgent is important. Identify those tasks that truly contribute to your goals and prioritize those, even if they aren't screaming for your attention.
Task Batching for Writers
Alright, now that you know the types of tasks, let's talk about how to batch them:
Group Similar Tasks: This seems obvious, but it's where most people get tripped up. Batch those emails, those client calls, those brainstorming sessions. Don't mix and match.
Use Time-Tracking Tools: If you're not sure where to start, try tracking your time for a week. See when you're most productive for certain tasks and schedule your batches accordingly.
Now, I know what you're thinking – "Kathleen, I'm a writer, how does this actually apply to me?"
Here some real-life examples:
Mornings: Focus on deep work, like writing new articles, blog posts, or long-form content.
Afternoons: Edit and proofread your work, conduct research for upcoming projects, or work on client revisions.
Evenings: Engage with your audience on social media, respond to comments and emails, or brainstorm ideas for future content.
Related: Understanding how your creative mind works with (and against) traditional time management
So, there you have it! Task batching isn't about restricting your creativity; the key is to experiment and find what works best for YOU. It's a tool to help you focus, boost your productivity, and ultimately create more time for the work that truly matters to you. In our next Blog we'll talk time blocking – how to create a flexible structure that supports your creative flow.
Until then, go forth and batch like a boss!
Cheers,
Kathleen xxoo