How To Have an Empty Calendar
Scott’s Daily Boost Show Notes —
A letter I received about 10 minutes ago…
“When you showed us your calendar a few weeks ago, I noticed how bear it was. You hadn't time blocked your podcast recordings, checking emails, calling friends, date night, learning time, developing course materials, Marketing activities, etc. I assumed you should time block every area of your life to ensure you achieve balance.”
I believe work-life balance is a myth.
Isn't every minute of the day the same?
There are no work, play, happy or sad minutes—there are only minutes. I don't need to balance them because they are all the same.
Since I have a pre-determined way that I want to live my life, it doesn't matter when I do it.
Having said that…
Having a calendar that it booked every 10 minutes is one of the most stressful things I can think of having. I would bet it’s the biggest reason people get burned out or retire.
In my view, a calendar's only job is to serve as a reminder system for any of those minutes that will involve other people — and not even all of those.
I don't know about you, but I don't need a reminder to go on a date night with my wife.
I know some people say you should schedule time for yourself on your calendar to ensure you get things done.
But it seems to me I shouldn't have to schedule my own time — since is MY time.
I should have a clear understanding of the life I want to live, what I need to do, and the discipline to get it done—in the space between those pesky appointments.
Let me be clear.
I absolutely have days of the week and hours of the day that I broadly dedicate to things like work, play, learning, and relaxing.
Within those large blocks, I look at my task list and decide, based on Due Date and Priority, what I need to focus on that day. When that's done, I'm done.
Larger projects are no different.
I simply look ahead to the days and hours I have available, set the Due Date for those times, and when that day arrives, get it done.
Is that time-blocking?
No. There’s no need to block my time because it’s already mine.
All of my time is my time. I guard it, ensure I know what I need to do, and have the discipline to do it as quickly as possible.
I strictly control the time that others are taking. If I don't, I won't have more time.
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