The Power Of Blocking Your Time
Do you feel overwhelmed by your calendar filled with back-to-back meetings? Do you wish for more uninterrupted time for deep work or to think? Or need more space to flex when something unexpected happens in your week?
Contrary to the belief that taking on more responsibility and higher levels of leadership demand a packed schedule, creating MORE space in your calendar is essential to being as effective as you can be and feeling your best.
This is also an ongoing work in progress of figuring out what you need to better manage your time and energy.
Last week, I had a "No-Meeting WEEK" for the very first time. A no-meeting day has been part of my weekly schedule for the past couple of years.
But a few years ago, when I stopped overworking and started keeping stronger boundaries, it all began with a two-hour time block during the workday.
There is no way I could do what I do without this space, which expands as I grow.
By setting aside time where you prioritize your own work and eliminate some meetings, you allow yourself to focus on important work and reduce the stress that comes with a packed schedule.
Blocked time not only increases focus and productivity, but also helps reduce burnout, boost well-being, and promote a better work-life balance for both you and your team.
It provides the space for you to do your best work without constant interruptions or distractions. It makes it easier to leave work at work and enjoy your personal time, knowing you have space to get things done when back in the office. And you can lead more effectively.
What can help to put a time-block into practice and better manage your time and energy?
Decide on the length of time blocks that work best for you. This could be an hour, two hours, an entire morning or afternoon, or even a day or week, depending on your workload and concentration span.
Block the time! This might seem obvious, but a step often missed. Add a recurring invite for the daily time blocks or a stretch you want to protect. Name it something inspiring and motivating to you. Do it now.
Choose an empowering story to tell yourself. Instead of telling yourself you are selfish for keeping the time or not a team player, tell yourself you will be more effective and strategic, and remind yourself why it matters.
Remember why the space is important and the reason you blocked the time in the first place. This is empowering.
Let go of the worry about what people will think. The worry will pop up. Let it go. The worry will pop up. Let it go. The worry will pop up. Let it go. You get the idea ;-).
Be brave and committed to protect the time. It's there for a reason.
I had at least 30+ requests to schedule something during my no-meeting week. I protected the time and had to give myself a pep talk whenever I wanted to overbook. And I am so thankful I did.
I responded to people when I was done my most important task for the day. I used one day for deep work and one day to catch up on all the little to-dos that had piled up (which felt great to catch up). I enjoyed the free space and feel more on top of things for the month ahead.
Sound like something you want?
I encourage you to add more free space to your week – whether it's a two hour time block, or a no meeting day or jump right to a no meeting week. Not just for your own focus and productivity but for your well-being and sense of balance.
You will be more effective when you do.
Still not convinced? Below is an article with a story about how a two-hour time block completely changed Sarah's day.
"My stress level is lower, I am more productive, confident, have more peace of mind, my anxiety went down, it allowed productive time and down time, brought calmness, I follow through more consistently". Her words.
Read the article here on the power of a time-block.
Be bold and protect your time. Your future self will thank you for it!
What Next?
You can sign up for Stacey's masterclass, The Confident "No" here.
Stacey L. Olson is a Leadership and Certified Positive Psychology Coach, has 15 years of corporate experience and has gone through her own transformational change from burning out to balanced in life while performing at a high level (both in her corporate career and own business). She works with professionals who want to work less, live more and be their best even with all the demands, high expectations and messiness of everyday life. Stacey is the founder of The Balanced Leader™ program and offers executive and leadership coaching, workshops, and speaking.