The 12-Hour CEO Time Block System

A Simple System for Flexible Time-Blocking That Enables CEOs To Reclaim Their Time and Focus on What Matters Most (Even When Things Are Chaotic)

Author

Ryan Deiss
March 30, 2025 • Read Time: 7 minutes

You work 50…60…80-hour weeks, but nothing seems to get done. Why?

Most Founders and CEOs get lost in the day-to-day grind, constantly reacting instead of proactively leading.

Fortunately, there is a simple fix.

We call it, ”The 12-Hour CEO Time Block System” because it helps you win back control of your time by protecting just 12 intentional hours a week for the work that actually moves the needle.

It’s not about doing less, it’s about doing what matters.

Here’s how it works…

IMPORTANT: Most time-blocking systems fall apart the second real life kicks in. This one doesn’t, and the reason why is spelled out in “The Rules” at the end. (Go ahead and skip there now if you want. Just don’t ignore them.)

Step 1: Block Focus Time

Reserve three to four hours a week for deep, focused, high-leverage work…the kind only you can do. Maybe it’s creative. Maybe it’s strategic. Maybe it’s closing deals. If it moves the needle, it belongs here.

TIP: Turn off notifications. Close your browser tabs. Shut the door. Give yourself the best chance of getting into a flow state. Your future self will thank you.

TOTAL TIME: 4 Hours

Step 2: Block Strategy Time

Set aside 90 minutes each week to think, plan, and zoom out. Review performance, spot trends, and plan for the future. Strategic clarity doesn’t happen by accident…it happens when you make space for it.

I do this on Monday afternoons after our leadership/scorecard meeting, while everything’s still fresh and top of mind.

TOTAL TIME: 1.5 Hours

Step 3: Block People Time

Spend at least two hours each week connecting with your key team members. Leadership happens in conversations, not dashboards. Use this time to check in, coach up, and reinforce your vision.

And don’t stop with your internal team. Add 30 minutes to check in with peers, advisors, and strategic partners. A quick “How’s life?” or “What’s new with you?” text can turn into your next big opportunity.

TOTAL TIME: 2.5 Hours

Step 4: Block Recovery Time

Don’t overlook physical and mental recovery. Whether it’s a walk, a massage, a hobby, or simply doing nothing, plan an afternoon each week to step away and recharge. This downtime helps you return to work with renewed energy and perspective.

TOTAL TIME: 2 Hours

Step 5: Block Professional Development Time

The best leaders never stop learning. Block two hours a week to stretch your thinking and upgrade your skills. Make it a rule to learn one new thing every week—whether it’s a business concept, a leadership insight, or a new tool or trend. Stay curious. Stay dangerous.

TOTAL TIME: 2 Hours

Do the math…

This system adds up to just 12 hours per week:

  • Focus Time: 4 hours

  • Strategy Time: 1.5 hours

  • People Time: 2.5 hours

  • Recovery Time: 2 hours

  • Professional Development Time: 2 hours

That’s less than 1/3 of a 40-hour workweek…and let’s be honest, when was the last time you worked a “standard” 4-hour workweek?

Most CEOs are working 50, 60, 70 hours or more!

But here’s the shift: When you proactively block time for the work that actually moves the needle, you stay ahead of problems, which means you get more done in less time (because you’re finally working on the right things.)

Ironically, the more you block, the more freedom you gain.

The Rules

Here are the three rules that make this system work for even the busiest CEOs. Each category “block” can be:

  • Moved (meaning you can change the time if something comes up)

  • Expanded (meaning you can invest more time on any given block if you’re on a roll), or…

  • Multiplied (meaning you can add additional blocks if you have space on your calendar).

They just can’t be DELETED.

That’s it.

Once you adopt this system, you commit to complete your 12 hours each week…no exceptions.

Be strict on what you do and loose on when you do it, and watch as your “To Do List” transforms into a “Done List.”

⚡ Action Step: Open your calendar today and schedule these time blocks. You don’t have to know what you’ll put in each block…just get them scheduled! Your productivity, clarity, and effectiveness as a CEO will skyrocket.

Stop letting broken systems hold you back. Get the tools and guidance you need to scale—Enroll in the Get Scalable Accelerator now.

Quick Hits

Here’s some other content from the Scalable network you might have missed:

Want more from us?

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  2. Get a free copy of my book. If your goal is to own a business that can run and scale without you, then Get Scalable is your playbook.

  3. Work 1-on-1 with me and my team. If you’d like direct, 1-on-1 support systemizing and scaling your business, you can get more information and apply for our Get Scalable Accelerator here.

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