How to manage your time better in 2026
Creative Bloq
by Izzy Ashton February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Managing time effectively is a critical challenge for creatives, especially in 2026 as the demand for productivity grows alongside the pressures of deadlines and workload. The article highlights five practical strategies to enhance focus and efficiency without sacrificing creativity. By adopting these methods, professionals can better align their workflows with their natural energy levels and creative processes.
One key approach is time blocking, which involves using timers—whether physical or digital—to set specific intervals for focused work. Louis Moss, a designer at The Midnight Club, shares how this method helps him avoid decision fatigue and maintain deeper engagement with his tasks. By working in short, concentrated bursts separated by breaks, he achieves more in the same amount of time. Similarly, Tania Gerard, an accessible marketing consultant with ADHD and autism, finds that visual timers reduce anxiety and help her stay on track without the stress of a ticking clock.
Another effective strategy is the return to analogue tools like paper planners and journals. Gemma Eccleston, founder of Hendrix Rose PR, swears by her Planberry planner for mapping out weekly actions while keeping long-term goals in sight. This method prevents overwhelm and ensures that creatives stay aligned with their broader objectives. Ilaria Mangiardi, a creative writer and journalpreneur, takes this a step further by using energy-based planning. She categorizes tasks into high, medium, and low energy levels, allowing her to tackle projects according to her natural energy patterns.
Finally, Hali Poll emphasizes the power of journaling as a tool for organization and inspiration. By documenting ideas and plans in a structured way, creatives can maintain clarity and accountability. This approach not only helps visualize tasks but also ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, which is particularly valuable for freelancers with flexible schedules. Together, these strategies offer a balanced approach to time management, combining digital tools with analogue practices to optimize creativity and productivity without burnout.
For readers in design and art, these techniques are especially relevant as they align with the need for focused, intentional work while accommodating the unique challenges of creative projects
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Originally published on Creative Bloq on 2/25/2026