Why Time Blocking Doesn’t Work (And What to Do Instead)

When structure fails, anchoring succeeds.

Why Time Blocking Doesn’t Work (And What to Do Instead)

Time blocking is one of the most popular productivity strategies out there. The concept is simple: assign chunks of your calendar to specific tasks, guard those blocks fiercely, and get more done with less chaos.

It sounds great in theory. But in practice? It often falls apart. Especially if you're in a leadership or support role where your time is not fully your own.

The Illusion of Control

People time block for one reason: to feel in control of their day. But if someone important, your CEO, client, investor, or team, needs something during that time block, you’ll give it away. And you should.

The truth is, in high-responsibility roles, control is fragile. You’re not building your week in a container. You’re navigating demands, personalities, and shifting priorities.

So when time blocking fails, and it often does, it leaves you feeling behind, defeated, or worse… like you just need more discipline.

But lack of discipline isn’t the problem.
The system is.

You Don’t Need More Blocks. You Need Anchors.

Instead of trying to rigidly control every hour, the Anchor Method helps you focus on your demands, without pretending you can predict every twist in your day.

Anchors are 1–3 core priorities or commitments that hold steady, no matter what the day throws at you. Think of them as productivity’s version of a compass, not a map. They give your day structure without forcing it into a brittle, block-by-block schedule.

Why Anchors Work Better Than Time Blocks

• They’re flexible by design. If a meeting shifts or a crisis arises, you’re not “off plan”, you’re just navigating while still staying grounded.

• They guide decision-making. Anchors help you say yes to what matters and no to unnecessary distractions.

• They build momentum. Instead of measuring productivity by how well you stuck to the clock, you measure it by how well you stayed focused on your anchor priorities.

Example: From Time Blocked to Anchor Aligned

Time Blocker Mindset:
"I have 1-3pm blocked for deep work. I’ll get that strategic doc done then."

Reality hits. An important person you’ve been playing tag with needs you at 1:15pm. The block is gone. Deep work derailed. At first, you aren’t bothered, but then you feel off-track.

Anchor Method Mindset:
"My anchor for today is making progress on that strategic doc. Whether it’s 20 minutes between meetings or a focused hour later, I’ll progress forward."

Reality hits. You shift but don’t lose the goal. You still deliver. You still feel accomplished.

The Anchor Method: A More Human Way to Be Productive

We live in a world that’s increasingly unpredictable, especially in fast-paced business environments. You need a system that’s adaptable, not rigid. You need something that works with your reality, not against it.

That’s why the Anchor Method has helped dozens of my clients and readers of my book finally gain a grip on their workload, not by controlling time, but by directing capacity.

Final Thought

If time blocking hasn’t worked for you, it’s not a personal failure. It’s a sign that your work style requires a more adaptive structure.

The Anchor Method is featured in my book, Capacity: The New Advantage, and has helped countless leaders and high-performing professionals find traction, even on the busiest of days. Time blocking looks great on paper, but real work rarely happens on paper.

Start anchoring your day around what needs your attention, and finally feel accomplished.