Time confetti is NOT as pretty as it sounds.
3 simple ways to take back control of your time.
None of us are immune to feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unproductive. Research shows that desk workers switch tasks every six minutes!
The problem? Jumping between emails, messages, and tasks feels productive. The novelty gives you a dopamine hit, making it seem like you’re getting things done. But in reality, you’re slicing your time into tiny, unusable fragments—time confetti.
And this comes at a cost. Constantly switching tasks:
- Dulls creativity
- Weakens memory
- Increases errors
- Fuels distraction cycles
- Raises stress levels.
Author Cal Newport puts it bluntly:
“If, like most, you rarely go more than 10–15 minutes without a ‘just check,’ you have effectively put yourself in a persistent state of self-imposed cognitive handicap.”
How to take back control of your time
Focus isn’t about willpower. It’s about setting up the right conditions for success. Here are three simple strategies to help:
- Minimal Meeting Mornings (3Ms)
- Block out team-wide, distraction-free mornings for deep work.
- Research shows teams are 65% more productive with three interruption-free mornings a week.
- Stop Playing Inbox Defence
- Work from your calendar, not your inbox or chat apps.
- Turn off email and chat notifications.
- Set fixed times to check emails (and stick to your schedule).
- Try the 3/3/3 Productivity Method
Author Oliver Burkeman suggests this simple structure:
- Spend 3 hours of focused time on your most important priority. Single task.
- Complete 3 shorter tasks (these are urgent to-dos).
- Wrap up your day with 3 maintenance tasks (e.g. follow-ups, clearing emails, organising notes).
Thanks for reading!
Wendy
