Episode Summary
In this episode, Niamh Moynihan discusses how to use your work calendar as a powerful tool to reclaim your time, manage expectations, and reduce stress.
Whether you're scheduling meetings, planning solo work, or striving for work-life balance, these practical tips will help you take control of your calendar and create a more productive and fulfilling workday.
Key Takeaways:
Your Calendar as a Tool, Not a Trap:
- Stop relying on others to check your calendar for conflicts—own your time and manage it proactively.
- Use your calendar to organise commitments, manage workload, and prioritise what matters most.
Add Personal Events to Your Work Calendar:
- Include private events like workouts, family time, or appointments to see a full picture of your week.
- Adjust your work schedule based on energy levels before or after key personal commitments.
Differentiate Busy and Tentative Events:
- Use "Busy" for must-do commitments and "Tentative" for tasks or events with flexibility.
- Avoid overpacking your week by leaving white space for unexpected tasks or rest.
Optimise Your Calendar Appointments:
- Add links and attachments to your calendar events to keep all resources at your fingertips.
- Plan follow-up time after meetings to action key points immediately.
Reimagine Meetings as Mini-Workshops:
- Combine updates and actionable work into a single session to save time and improve efficiency.
Track Your Progress with Colour Coding:
- Mark completed events in green to visually track your accomplishments and build confidence.
Use Your Calendar to Make Informed Decisions:
- A well-managed calendar helps you confidently say yes or no to new requests based on your actual capacity.
Practical Tips from the Episode:
- Include Everything You Need: For tasks or meetings, link files, documents, or tools directly in the calendar event to avoid distractions and stay organised.
- Leave Space for Flexibility: Avoid filling your calendar to the brim; leave white space for unplanned work and rest.
- Colour Code for Clarity: Use colours to track progress, flag priorities, and create a sense of accomplishment.
- Balance Work and Life: Adding personal commitments to your work calendar ensures you maintain a healthy balance and realistic expectations.
Until next time, stay well and have a better workday!
Listen to The Better Workday Podcast on Spotify
Listen to The Better Workday Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel