Why Planning Less Makes You More Productive
Lately, I think I’ve stumbled onto something that feels a bit like productivity magic.
And no, it doesn’t involve a new app, a color-coded spreadsheet, or drinking celery juice at 5 AM (though…I won’t knock it if that’s your thing.)
It’s something I call Inspiration Work Blocks: purposeful gaps in my schedule reserved for whichever task on my list feels most energizing at the time.
Sounds simple, right? But for a Type A, perfectionist, overachiever brain like mine, this tiny tweak has actually made a huge difference in how productive, and honestly, how much happier I feel each day.
Let me explain.
Why I Still Love (and Need) Time Blocking
Before I go full woo-woo on you, let’s be clear: I’m still a die-hard fan of time blocking.
Here’s why:
Time blocking helps you achieve real goals.
“Planning Me” is usually way better at deciding what’s best for my long-term success than “In the Moment Me”, who would rather scroll Instagram or organize my sock drawer. A time-blocked calendar acts like a roadmap, so even on low-motivation days, I still move closer to the big goals I want to achieve.
Time blocking helps you design a life you actually like.
When you sketch out your ideal week in advance, you see if it includes pockets of joy (reading, a walk with the dog, or a slow cup of coffee) or if it’s just an endless list of “have-to’s.” Spotting that imbalance before the week begins gives you a chance to fix it so your days feel more fulfilling, not just busy.
Time blocking forces you into reality.
It’s easy to write “finish quarterly report” on a to-do list. Blocking three hours on Thursday afternoon for it? That’s when you realize it overlaps with three meetings, a dentist appointment, and that last-minute request from your boss. Time blocking helps you face the truth early and make hard choices before the hours disappear.
You can absolutely build a productive, successful life with plenty of open space, but some structure is what keeps you from accidentally spending your entire week on things that don’t move the needle.
So yes, time blocking is still the backbone of how I manage my work (and keep burnout from swallowing me whole).
But what I’ve learned is my brain works best with a mix of structure and freedom.
Enter: Inspiration Work Blocks.
What are Inspiration Work Blocks?
Inspiration Work Blocks are purposeful gaps in my schedule reserved for whichever task on my list feels most energizing at the time.
Not random scrolling time.
Not buffer time for unexpected fires.
Not just “flex” time in case something runs long.
This is dedicated, protected space for things like:
Writing the blog post that popped into your head during your morning shower.
Sketching out a plan for your backyard makeover.
Reading a book that could spark ideas for your next work project.
Finally booking that doctor’s appointment you keep pushing off.
Or even jumping ahead on a task scheduled for later in the week, if that’s what feels energizing right now.
The only rule? It has to be something on your “should do” or “want to do” list that feels interesting, not something that makes you cringe the moment your Inspiration Work Block time rolls around.
Why It Feels Like Magic (aka: Flow State)
If you’ve ever slipped into that zone where time disappears, your focus sharpens, and work feels effortless, that’s what psychologists call flow. It’s the sweet spot where productivity meets joy.
Inspiration Work Blocks set the stage for flow because they strike the perfect balance between structure and freedom:
Clear purpose: You’re still working on something that matters since it came from the to-do list of the planning version of you.
Freedom to choose: You get to pick what feels interesting or energizing in that moment.
Less resistance: Instead of battling your own brain to do the “right” task, you follow your natural spark, which is the fastest route to deep focus and flow.
I’ve noticed that even tasks I’d normally procrastinate somehow get done. Not because I’ve finally developed iron-clad discipline, but because I’m not forcing myself to do anything. Instead, I’m riding my own motivation, turning work that once felt heavy into something that flows almost effortlessly.
How to Add Inspiration Work Blocks to Your Plan
Ready to try this? Here’s how to do it without your productivity brain screaming “but what if I waste the time?!”
Schedule it
Pick one or two blocks during your week, maybe 60–90 minutes each. Protect them like you would a meeting with your boss.
Create a short “inspiration” menu
Before the week starts, jot 3–5 things you could do during that block that feel interesting or important. For example: draft next month’s newsletter, brainstorm Q4 goals, read that leadership book on your nightstand, or outline a new process to help streamline your next project.
Use themes as your focus
If you don’t want to choose specific tasks ahead of time, give the block a theme: Learning, Creative Work, Admin Catch-Up. You still have choices, but within a lane.
Say no to “easy outs”
This isn’t a free pass to doom scroll or alphabetize your spice rack (though, now that I think about it, that seems like this Type A’s idea of an inspired time). It’s a block for productive work you genuinely feel drawn to.
How This Looks In Real Life
To spark ideas for your own Inspiration Work Blocks, here are some ways I’ve used them recently:
Creative work: On Monday, I felt pulled to write a blog article that had been buzzing in my head instead of finishing a client proposal deck. Because I followed the spark, the draft flowed out quickly and turned out pretty good.
Learning & growth: Mid‑week, I used the block to study a few modules of a new course I just bought and immediately started putting my learnings into action as the inspiration flowed.
Life admin: Friday, inspiration struck to finally make three phone calls I’d been dreading. They’d been on my list for weeks but because I felt ready, it only took 10 minutes.
The goal isn’t to do “fun” stuff only, it’s to work on what feels energizing at that moment, so your work feels lighter and your brain stays engaged.
Why It Works (Especially for Overachievers…)
As high‑achievers, we’re often so focused on doing the “right” thing next that we forget to ask: “What makes me feel most engaged right now?”
Inspiration Work Blocks blend structure and autonomy, a combo research shows fuels motivation and reduces burnout:
You still have boundaries: It’s a planned block, not a free‑for‑all.
You get choice: You decide what to do within that structure.
You tap into flow: Instead of forcing yourself through resistance, you follow interest and interest is a shortcut to focus.
Give It a Try
Ready to try it for yourself?
Next time you plan your week, carve out a little open space.
Don’t leave it empty, make it an Inspiration Work Block.
And watch what happens when you let your productivity meet inspiration.
Want More Practical, Real‑Life Time Management Help?
If this idea of balancing structure and flexibility speaks to you, you’ll love my course: Never Work Overtime Again.
This isn’t another digital course you’ll buy, feel guilty about, and never have time to finish.
I teach you everything you need to know in under 90 minutes, so you can start making real changes right away.
Because who doesn’t have time for that?!
Check it out here and see how you can end your overwhelm and stress with easy to follow routines that actually fit your real life.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Kara. I’m a former workaholic turned time-management expert. I help women stressed out in their 9-5 get more done, in less time, so they can get back in the driver’s seat and start living a life they love.
