How I Built My Career with Time Blocking

How I Built My Career with Time Blocking new recipes: Pumpkin & Sage Ravioli + Yuzu Sorbet Wed, 09 Oct 2024 21:12:51 GMT https://carmeninthegarden.substack.com/p/how-i-built-my-career-with-time-blocking I’ve recently shared how I juggle the categories of my life through time blocking. Someone commented "It’s giving overscheduled child!" But for me, this method has helped me stay organized and productive. The "zero blank space" method ensures that every moment on my calendar has a purpose, which means no idle time for distractions. Here’s my step-by-step process for time blocking.

This method has been crucial for managing my time effectively, whether I'm working, focusing on personal goals, or making time for hobbies. It's not just about filling your day with tasks, but making sure you're spending your time in ways that align with your priorities. By taking control of your calendar, you take control of your life.

Here's my step-by-step method—take what works for you, and discard the rest. Note: For privacy reasons, all of the events shared here are examples, purely for educational purposes.

Share

Step 1: Create Categories for Every Part of Your Life

The first step is breaking down your life into categories. These categories should reflect all the important areas you want to focus on, and each one gets a distinct color. I use Google Calendar, but you can use any calendar format that works for you. My categories look like this: CITG (green), exercise (orange), chores (blue), Pali (salmon), personal (lime green), social (yellow), philanthropy (pink). When your calendar is color-coded, you can immediately see where your time is going. If one color starts dominating, you can easily identify whether your life is out of balance and adjust as needed. You’ll also get a quick visual of what areas you might be neglecting and need more focus. I recommend Google Calendar.

Step 2: Schedule Events and Account for the "Unseen" Time

Once your categories are set, start scheduling specific events. Don't forget to add the invisible time commitments we often overlook. These include commuting, getting ready, or transitioning between tasks. Always overestimate how long an event might take, especially if it’s a new activity. This way, you aren’t rushed and can adjust as needed. For example, if a meeting takes longer or there’s unexpected traffic, you’ve built in a buffer so that your entire day doesn’t fall apart. These buffer zones also provide flexibility, so that if something goes faster, you can use that extra time productively rather than wasting it.

Step 3: Make Exercise a Non-Negotiable Event

Schedule your exercise blocks just like any other important meeting. For me, exercise is a non-negotiable appointment with myself. These blocks keep me accountable and ensure I don’t push my self-care to the side. Even if you don’t have a full hour to work out, you can still use small pockets of time for short but effective workouts. It’s not about the length, but about making it part of your routine.

Step 4: Group Your Hobbies and Passions into Specific Time Blocks

I only garden on weekends, which helps me maintain balance throughout the week. By having designated blocks for hobbies and passions, you prevent them from spilling into your work time, while still making sure they get the attention they deserve. Throughout the week, I’ll develop my to-do list for gardening, and when the weekend arrives, I know exactly what needs to be done. Grouping similar tasks into blocks also minimizes mental fatigue from switching tasks constantly.

Step 5: Set Recurring Events for Sleep and Routines

Consistency is crucial when it comes to routine tasks like sleep, morning, and evening wind-downs. I create recurring events for these, and it helps build structure into my day. This routine serves as the backbone of everything else. Having a sleep schedule in your calendar also makes sure you're not sacrificing rest in pursuit of productivity.

Step 6: Use the "Zero Blank Space" Method for Personal Goals

One of the biggest ways time blocking transformed my life was in how I used it to build Carmen in the Garden while working two other jobs. The key to the zero blank space method is filling in every gap with intentional activities. These gaps are perfect for working toward personal goals, whether that’s building a business, developing a hobby, or working on something you’ve always wanted to do. You’ll see how much time is available when you're not scrolling on your phone or leaving hours unaccounted for. This method forces you to be mindful of how you're using your time and pushes you closer to achieving what really matters.

Step 7: Add Notes and Tasks to Each Block

Don’t just block out time—add detail. For example, within my exercise block, I might include specific workout plans or goals for that session. In my CITG block, I’ll write down what content I need to create that day, or if I have any collaborations in progress. Notes and tasks turn each time block into a mini to-do list, ensuring that when you get to that block, you’re not left wondering what needs to be done.

Step 8: Set Time Aside Each Week to Review and Reset Your Schedule

This process doesn’t just happen on autopilot. Each week, I set aside about 30 minutes to review and adjust my calendar. It allows me to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and where I need to make changes. For me, this is usually on Sunday, and it sets me up for a productive week ahead. This step is key to staying organized in the long run.

Carmen in the Garden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

Serves approximately 4 people

Watch me make it on Instagram and TikTok .

This Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce comes together with just a few ingredients and a good bit of elbow grease. The pumpkin is homegrown—though, to be honest, my pumpkin harvest was a bit sparse this year. I didn’t follow my own gardening advice, and the shade from my fruit trees crowded out my pumpkins. Lesson learned: pumpkins, like most squashes, are heavy feeders. Think of them as the most demanding child at the table—needing all the nutrients, all the sun, and a little extra help from pollinators. There's always next year!

Sage, on the other hand, never lets me down. This fragrant, flavor-packed herb thrives with minimal effort. It’s even known for its drying properties, so if your hands tend to get clammy, try rubbing a few sage leaves between your palms and watch the moisture disappear. But where sage really shines is when it's paired with butter. The earthy, slightly peppery notes of sage cut through the richness of the butter, creating a sauce that's both aromatic and indulgent.

As for the pasta, I won’t lie—homemade pasta can be a bit intimidating, especially when you’ve misplaced your trusty pasta attachments, as I did. But with a little patience and some extra rolling, you’ll find the effort is well worth it.

Ingredients For the Pasta Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Filling:

1 medium pumpkin or squash (about 2 pounds), halved lengthwise and seeds removed

1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

For the Sage Butter Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

8-10 fresh sage leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions 1. Roast the Pumpkin:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Brush the cut sides of the pumpkin halves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Scoop out the cooked pumpkin into a bowl.

1. Make the Pasta Dough:

On a clean work surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt.

Using a fork, beat the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour from the edges until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough with your hands for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If it's too dry, add a little water; if too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

1. Prepare the Filling:

Mash the roasted pumpkin until smooth. You can use a fork or a food processor for a smoother texture.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and chopped sage. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Set the filling aside while you prepare the pasta dough.

1. Roll Out the Pasta:

Cut the rested dough into smaller portions to make it easier to handle.

Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll out each portion into thin sheets (about 1/16 inch thick). Keep unused dough covered to prevent it from drying out.

1. Assemble the Ravioli:

Lay one sheet of pasta on a floured surface. Place teaspoon-sized mounds of filling about 2 inches apart.

Lightly brush water around each mound. Place another sheet of pasta over the first. Press gently around the filling to remove air pockets and seal the edges.

Use a knife, pastry wheel, or cookie cutter to cut out individual ravioli. Press edges with a fork if needed.

Place the ravioli on a floured tray and cover with a towel to prevent drying.

1. Cook the Ravioli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

Carefully add the ravioli in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the pasta is tender.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish.

1. Prepare the Sage Butter Sauce:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the fresh sage leaves. Cook until the butter turns golden brown and the sage becomes crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

1. Serve:

Gently add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sage butter sauce.

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade pumpkin ravioli!

Yuzu Sorbet

Serves approximately 4 people

Watch me make it on Instagram and TikTok .

Ingredients: 3/4 cup yuzu juice (fresh or bottled)

1 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp yuzu zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Once the syrup has cooled, mix in the yuzu juice, and yuzu zest. Stir until everything is well combined.

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until it is thoroughly chilled.

Once the mixture is cold, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a smooth, creamy texture (usually about 20-30 minutes).

Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours before serving to let it firm up.

Scoop the yuzu sorbet into bowls, garnish with extra yuzu zest if desired, and enjoy!

Leave a comment