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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