Business Lunch Podcast Summary
Episode: The Perfect Week: Time Blocking Tips for CEOs
Host: Roland Frasier
Guest: Ryan Deiss
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Business Lunch, host Roland Frasier sits down with Ryan Deiss, a renowned entrepreneur and founder of multiple successful companies. Their conversation delves deep into the art of time blocking, a strategic method for optimizing productivity and achieving a balanced, effective workweek. Ryan shares his personal experiences, methodologies, and the nuanced adjustments he has made to create "The Perfect Week."
Understanding Time Blocking
Roland Frasier opens the discussion by ensuring that listeners are on the same page regarding the concept of time blocking.
"Time blocking is simply thinking about your week and just being intentional about your time and how you're going to break up the week and what theming the week and what activities you're going to perform at different points in time during that week."
— Ryan Deiss [00:24]
Ryan likens time blocking to budgeting, emphasizing its role in directing where one's time goes rather than wondering where it disappeared.
"Budgeting is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Time blocking is telling your time where to go instead of wondering where it went."
— Ryan Deiss [02:23]
Ryan Deiss’s Time Blocking Strategy
Ryan outlines his comprehensive time blocking strategy, which he has refined over years of experience as a CEO and entrepreneur. His approach ensures a balance between strategic planning, team engagement, deep work, and personal recovery.
1. Strategic Time
Ryan stresses the importance of dedicating time specifically for strategic thinking.
"I've now set aside 90 minutes each week on my calendar focused exclusively on strategy."
— Ryan Deiss [04:58]
This strategic time involves reviewing company performance, analyzing trends, and adjusting strategies as necessary without constantly shifting the core strategic direction.
2. People Time
Connecting with key team members is crucial for mentorship and effective leadership.
"Two hours in a week, I think that's a good use of time."
— Ryan Deiss [08:06]
Ryan emphasizes that CEOs should mentor their leadership teams rather than micromanage, allowing for greater delegation and fostering a collaborative environment.
3. Focus Time
Dedicated to deep work, this time block allows for uninterrupted concentration on important tasks.
"Four hours each week for deep work focus time."
— Ryan Deiss [10:45]
Examples of deep work include writing, developing frameworks, or any creative tasks that require sustained attention.
4. Recovery Time
Acknowledging the necessity of downtime, Ryan allocates time each week to recharge.
"An afternoon each week just to kind of step away and recharge."
— Ryan Deiss [12:35]
This recovery time is essential for maintaining mental well-being and preventing burnout, especially for busy CEOs whose weekends are often occupied with family commitments.
Variable Time Blocking
Roland shares his adapted version of time blocking, which he terms "variable time blocking," allowing for flexibility while maintaining a structured approach.
"It's kind of, you know, dot, dot, dot penciled in and then it is subject to change. But you have a commitment to the block of time wherever it may fall in the week."
— Roland Frasier [21:47]
This method accommodates the unpredictable nature of leadership roles, ensuring that essential tasks are prioritized without rigidly sticking to a predetermined schedule.
Enhancements to Time Blocking
Both hosts discuss additional elements that enhance the effectiveness of time blocking:
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Health and Physical Activity: Incorporating regular exercise or physical activities to maintain health.
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Professional Development: Allocating time for learning and growth outside immediate business needs.
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Outreach: Regularly engaging with contacts to maintain and expand professional relationships.
"I'm going to do something that is completely outside my normal information consumption and activity."
— Roland Frasier [27:05]
These enhancements ensure a well-rounded schedule that fosters personal growth and sustains professional networks.
Maintaining Flexibility
Ryan highlights the importance of flexibility within his time blocking system.
"They can be moved, they can be expanded and they can be multiplied. They just can't be deleted."
— Ryan Deiss [19:53]
This rule allows for adjustments based on unforeseen circumstances while preserving the integrity of the scheduled blocks, ensuring that essential activities are not neglected.
Final Thoughts on Time Blocking Benefits
Roland concludes by reiterating the critical role of having a structured system for managing time, emphasizing accountability and prioritization.
"What gets measured, gets managed."
— Roland Frasier [31:24]
Both speakers agree that effective time blocking not only enhances productivity but also ensures that personal and professional growth are aligned, leading to a more fulfilling and successful work-life balance.
This episode provides valuable insights into crafting a balanced and productive schedule through meticulous time blocking. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or professional aiming to optimize your time, Ryan Deiss's strategies offer practical steps to achieve a "Perfect Week."