Which time-management strategy best utilizes Parkinson's Law?

• A. Set extremely loose deadlines to ensure thoroughness.
• B. Work without tracking time to avoid pressure.
• C. Use shorter, fixed time blocks with strict start and end times.
• D. Prolong tasks to fill available time.

Answer: (C)

Parkinson's Law is the idea that work tends to expand to fill the time you give it. To use this idea effectively, you set shorter, fixed time blocks with clear start and end times. When you give yourself a tight window, you’re compelled to focus on what’s essential, make quick decisions, and avoid dragging out details that aren’t necessary. This creates momentum and helps you complete tasks efficiently rather than letting them swell to fill a larger timespan. For example, you might block out 25 minutes for planning, 25 minutes for drafting, and a brief 10-minute review, using a timer to pace yourself. Other approaches that relax deadlines or skip time tracking don’t capitalize on the pressure to finish promptly, and letting tasks take as long as they like simply confirms Parkinson's Law. Prolonging work to fit the available time is exactly the pattern this method avoids by imposing concise, structured blocks.