As a coach and facilitator, I’ve become convinced that everyone, regardless of their role, needs uninterrupted work time every day. But uninterrupted calendar blocks are hard to design into your schedule. Here, I share with you how I practice this skill.3 hours of focused work time per day.
Manage your expectations about what you can accomplish
When I improperly estimate my workload, I reset expectations with folks about what I can accomplish that day.
- On lighter meeting days, I get longer projects done that require more brainpower and analyze which tasks took longer than expected or that I need to discuss with stakeholders.
Structure your work life to balance energy and goals
Know your internal clock
- Honor your chronotype
- Bucket your time
- Go off the grid
- Rely on peers
- Reflect
- At the end of each workday, observe how you spent your time and record what you accomplished
Build systems for these skills
Build a habit: Identify what you need to do to make this a reality and practice
- Communicate: Share your intention with your team and manager so they know when you’re available and why these steps ultimately help you all meet your goals
- Assess your work environment: Design your work to meet your role’s expectations and your colleagues’ expectations of you
- Work backward to address what is in your control
