Everything becomes distraction and reaction when you lose control of you calendar.
In an article titled, Clayton Christensen’s “How Will You Measure Your Life?, Christensen wrote, … life is just one unending stream of extenuating circumstances.”
A commitment is a decision made once.
Two simple commitments:
Commitment #1: Protect white space on your calendar.
In the past, when someone called for an appointment, I looked for blocks of open space on my calendar. Now I look for times when I’m busy.
I choose to schedule appointments back-to-back on one morning to protect white space on another. It’s one of the best commitments I ever made.
Don’t schedule appointments back-to-back all day. Make an appointment with yourself, if you need to. However, for short blocks of time, back-to-back is efficient.
Tips:
- Prepare for meetings in advance, if you’re going back-to-back.
- Include short breaks, even when you’re back-to-back. Schedule five minutes between meetings, for example. Disconnect from your last meeting. Stretch. Breathe. Focus on the next person or group. Let people know they matter by preparing for them.
- Set a limit. How many back-to-back meetings can you schedule and still be present?
- Choose a shorter default meeting length. Try 30 minutes, 55 at most. (I acknowledge that some team meetings require more than an hour.)
Commitment #2: No appointments at least one day a week.
Every week, “extenuating circumstances,” invite me to violate this commitment. Additionally, my inner people-pleaser calls me selfish.
Tips:
- Be flexible. The weeks I travel, for example, force me to adapt.
- Use the time to do your job without interruption. I prepare for presentations.
- Some leaders choose one day a week to work from home.
- Establish principles that guide the way you schedule appointments.
Taking control of your calendar is taking control of your life.
What have you learned about controlling your calendar?
Suggested resource: Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less