Time Blocking: How to Master Your Day Like Elon Musk

Ever wonder how Elon Musk runs Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures without losing his mind? His secret weapon is time blocking—a productivity method where he schedules his entire day in 5-minute increments.

Sounds intense, right? But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be running multiple billion-dollar companies to benefit from time blocking. Whether you’re juggling work projects, side hustles, or just trying to find time for the gym, this method can transform how you manage your day.

Let me show you what time blocking is and how to actually implement it (without the overwhelm).

What is Time Blocking?

Time blocking is simple: instead of keeping an endless to-do list, you assign specific time slots to your tasks on your calendar. Think of it as making appointments with yourself to get things done.

Here’s why it works:

• Reduces decision fatigue: No more wondering “what should I do next?” Your calendar tells you.
• Increases focus: When you know you have 2 hours for deep work, you actually use those 2 hours.
• Makes time visible: You see exactly where your time goes and can protect it.

This method is perfect for anyone who feels like their day controls them instead of the other way around. Remote workers, students, entrepreneurs, busy parents—if you have multiple priorities competing for your attention, time blocking helps you take back control.

How to Time Block: 3 Simple Steps

Let me walk you through the actual process. I’ll use Tidify as an example since it’s designed specifically for this (and makes it ridiculously easy).

Step 1: List Your Tasks

Start by getting everything out of your head and into a simple list. Don’t overthink it—just brain dump all the tasks you need to do.

In Tidify, you have a clean, straightforward todo list where you can quickly add tasks as they come to you. No complicated project hierarchies or overwhelming features. Just your tasks, clearly listed.

The key here is to be specific. Instead of “work on project,” write “draft proposal outline” or “review client feedback.”

Step 2: Drag & Drop to Block Time

This is where the magic happens—and where most people struggle with traditional methods. You need to move tasks from your list onto your actual calendar.

Tidify’s split-screen view shows your todo list on one side and your calendar on the other. You literally drag a task from your list and drop it onto a time slot. That’s it. The task now has a home in your day.

Want to block 9-11 AM for deep work on that proposal? Drag it over. Need to squeeze in a workout at 5 PM? Drag and drop. It’s visual, intuitive, and takes seconds instead of minutes.

Step 3: Get Notified & Stay on Track

Here’s the thing about time blocking: it only works if you actually follow through. That’s where notifications come in.

Since Tidify syncs directly with your iOS Calendar, you get native calendar notifications for every time block. Your phone buzzes, tells you what to focus on next, and keeps you accountable throughout the day.

Plus, because it’s synced with your Apple Calendar, you can see your time blocks across all your devices. Check your schedule on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac—it’s all there.

Start Time Blocking Today

Time blocking isn’t about being rigid or overscheduled. It’s about being intentional with your time so you can focus on what matters without the constant mental juggling.

You don’t need to block every minute like Elon Musk (unless you want to). Start small—block just your most important task each morning. See how it feels. Then expand from there.

If you want to try it out, Tidify makes the whole process pretty painless. But however you do it, the key is just to start. Pick three tasks for tomorrow, assign them time slots, and see what happens.

Your future self will thank you.