Every transition—whether it’s a shift in project focus or a change in roles—prompts me to reconsider and refine my calendar. This process isn’t just about adapting to new workflows; it’s a chance to reassess how I allocate my time and energy to align with evolving goals and seasons.
The Meeting Conundrum
A recent conversation with a coworker (Hey Taylor) sparked an intriguing question: When do you prefer to have meetings? Our preferences were quite different, highlighting how personalized time management truly is.
Taylor prefers afternoon meetings. His brain kicks into high gear a bit earlier than mine, so he likes to tackle his to-dos in the first half of the day. This leaves his afternoons free for discussions and collaborative work.
I, on the other hand, schedule most of my regular internal meetings in the morning. This strategy allows me to block my afternoon time for different areas of focus. Here’s why this approach is beneficial for my mental wellbeing:
1. Immediate Task Management
Having morning meetings means that any new or urgent tasks that arise can be added to my to-do list for the day. This proactive approach ensures that nothing slips through the cracks and I can address important issues promptly.
2. Uninterrupted Focus Time
By keeping my afternoons free from meetings, I leave room for longer stretches of heads-down time. This uninterrupted focus is crucial for deep work, allowing me to dive into projects without the constant stop-and-start that meetings can cause.
3. Swift Communication
Scheduling day of conversations with developers, task stakeholders, and fellow team members in the morning means less delay if immediate collaboration is needed. This setup allows for efficient problem-solving and decision-making, keeping projects on track.
Tips for Refreshing Your Productivity
Here are some strategies that have helped me refresh and feel more productive:
- Revamp: Regularly update your schedule to reflect changes in your workflow and priorities. A little desk re-organization goes a long way, too.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Allocate specific times for meetings and focus work to prevent overlap and reduce stress.
- Evaluate Regularly: Periodically assess your time management strategies to ensure they are still effective and make adjustments as needed.
- Seek Input: If your calendar is feeling a little too full, conversations with colleagues, like my chat with Andy, can provide valuable insights and new perspectives on time/project management.
As you embrace new challenges and transitions, take the opportunity to refine your approach to time management (and by reorganizing your space—I’m telling you it helps!). A small adjustment can yield significant improvements in productivity and satisfaction.
Our conversation made me curious about others’ preferences. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you thrive in the early hours, or does your productivity peak later in the day? Understanding your natural rhythm can significantly enhance your productivity and overall satisfaction. Let us know in Discord, or shoot me an email: victoria@gun.io
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