TikTok's Four Quarters Trick Will Transform You Into A Productivity Pro

We all get the same 24 hours. Some days, this seems like ample time to accomplish what we hoped we would, while other days. it seems like the time gets so far ahead of us we're left wondering what happened. No matter how organized we seem, no matter how color-coded the to-do lists we make, we're still prone to climb into bed feeling unproductive and defeated. Hey, it happens. No need to beat ourselves up about it.

This is obviously a common problem, because there's a TikTok trend that's gaining traction thanks to its clever solution for reframing how we visualize our days. The four quarters trick, as its aptly titled, is all about maximizing time by breaking things down into smaller segments. Basically, instead of seeing the day as one, long, nebulous expanse of time, this trick breaks the day into, yep, four defined quarters and it's already changed the way many people are approaching their time. Here's how it works and how it can help you.

According to user Rajxpatel, the four quarters method is modeled after the way that sporting events, like football, are broken up into four quarters. In this case, the first half of the day is divided into morning, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by late morning, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then there's afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and lastly, evening, which begins at 7 p.m. and goes until bedtime. 

The genius of this trick is how it forces us to break down our days into bite-sized segments. Rather than facing it as an endless to-do list, we can compartmentalize and tackle things bit by bit. And it makes sense. Which sounds better, having a list of 20 tasks for the day, or four tasks to complete for the morning? It also gives us the chance to reset. We might set out to accomplish a number of tasks the mornings, but once 10 a.m. comes along, we can switch gears to whatever we have on our list for that late morning period. 

This can not only improve productivity, but boost our overall attitude. Let's say we had a bad morning and didn't achieve what we set out to do. Instead of letting that negativity bring down the rest of the day, we can see it as a lost quarter, knowing that we have another one where we complete said task. As user Rajxpatel notes in their Tiktok, "Your results are not based on what you did last, but what you do next."

One of the easiest ways to start applying the four quarters trick to your life is when breaking down big projects or trying new habits. If there's a long-haul project or task that you've been working on, consider slotting it every day in the same quarter. For instance, if you're working on a novel or another long-term creative venture, you can vow to tackle it in the morning quarter every day and get it out of the way first thing. Or let's say you're trying to build the habit of a consistent workout routine. Maybe this is best in the afternoon, so you know that part of that quarter is always dedicated to that new goal.

This makes any project less daunting because you wont' be dedicating an entire day to it. you can dive into the rest of the day with the confidence that comes from accomplishing something important to you.

A desk calendar or a visual aid can work wonders with utilizing this life hack. TikTok user The Organized Wallet recommends also using your phone or computer's calendar to set reminders so that you stick to your set quarters. Delineate the day into these four parts and fill in the space accordingly. Make sure to add a little time in there for fun and leisure because that's as important as productivity.