Batching: A Simple Way to Save Time and Boost Productivity

YO! 

In today’s crazy and ever demanding world, where none of us seem to have enough time, productivity hacks often promise quick fixes. But if you’ve heard me talk about time management, you know I believe 99% of these hacks are clickbait that rarely deliver results.

That said, one principle I’ve found truly impactful—and one I regularly encourage my team to adopt—is batching. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a game-changer.

What Is Batching?

At its core, batching is the act of grouping similar tasks and tackling them in dedicated, uninterrupted blocks of time. Instead of constantly switching between tasks, you focus on one category at a time, whether it’s emails, food prep, or creative work.

Why Batching Works

The magic of batching lies in reducing the mental drain caused by task-switching. Research on “attention residue” reveals that when we jump between tasks, part of our focus lingers on the previous task, making it harder to fully engage with the next one.

Think of it like going for a 3-mile run. You wouldn’t allow interruptions like:

• “Hey, got a minute?”
• Email or text notifications.
• “Can you review this report real quick?”

Constant interruptions would completely derail your run—and your productivity. Yet, when multitasking, many of us allow similar distractions, under the false belief that we’re being efficient. In reality, we’re just task-switching, and the time spent regaining focus adds up fast.

Examples of Batching in Action

Here are some practical ways batching can save time and reduce stress in your personal and professional life:

1. Emails and Texts

Instead of checking your inbox all day, dedicate one or two time blocks to handle emails and messages. During these periods, silence notifications and focus solely on your inbox. You’ll not only clear it faster but also avoid the mental clutter of constantly switching tasks.

Challenge: For one week, check your email once a day at a set time. Work uninterrupted, and notice how much faster you get through your inbox.

2. Food Prep

Deciding what to eat every day can lead to decision fatigue—not to mention the time spent on prep, cooking, and cleanup. Instead, batch your meal prep. Dedicate an hour on Sunday to prepare breakfasts and lunches for the week. You’ll save hours and avoid last-minute trips to McDonald’s when hunger strikes.

When I was preparing for a bodybuilding show, this practice was a lifesaver. It conserved not only time but also willpower, as I didn’t have to make daily decisions about food.

3. Content Creation

If you’re responsible for creating content—blog posts, podcasts, or social media—batching is a must. Set aside a few hours once a month to focus solely on content creation. Lock the door, silence distractions, and crank out everything at once. You’ll produce more in less time than if you try to “fit it in” between other tasks.

4. Administrative Tasks

For teams, batching is equally powerful. For example, have your admin team dedicate a block of time to collections calls. Gather in a room, shut the door, and make all the calls at once. You’ll get through the list faster and avoid constant interruptions throughout the day.

How to Start Batching

Batching works because it simplifies your workflow and eliminates the inefficiency of task-switching. Here’s how to apply it:

1. Identify Batchable Tasks: Brainstorm recurring tasks in your life or work that can be grouped together.
2. Schedule Time Blocks: Assign dedicated time slots for each batch of tasks.
3. Eliminate Distractions: Turn off notifications, set boundaries, and create an environment conducive to focus.

The Takeaway

Batching isn’t just a productivity tool—it’s a mindset shift. By dedicating focused time to grouped tasks, you reclaim hours that would otherwise be lost to distractions and inefficiency.

Your Challenge: Look at your current workload and identify at least one task you can batch this week. Try it out, and let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your results!

With much love,
Jason