The Dream Job System Podcast How To Eliminate 90% Of Meetings (& Get 20+ Hours Back) | Ep #796
Jan 2, 2026
Imagine reclaiming 20+ hours a week! Meetings have exploded, destroying focus and productivity. Discover how creating daily deep work zones can protect your concentration. Set clear expectations with coworkers and suggest alternatives to endless meetings. Learn the three-step pushback technique for efficient communication. Lastly, Austin advocates for brief, purposeful meetings to maximize time and improve mental well-being. It's all about working smarter, not harder, and getting back to what truly matters.
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Meetings Destroy Focus And Flow
- Meetings have exploded since the pandemic and now average over five per day, which fragments focus and productivity.
- Austin Belcak argues this shift replaces quick desk conversations with default 30-minute blocks that waste time.
Reserve A Daily Deep Work Block
- Block a three-hour deep work zone daily and protect it on your calendar to produce your best work.
- Start with 30 minutes if needed and add 30 minutes each week until you reach three hours.
Set Expectations And An Emergency Channel
- Tell colleagues you're testing deep work blocks and explain benefits like being more present in meetings.
- Provide a clear emergency channel so people can still reach you when necessary.