I have a love/hate relationship with Fridays. If I have complete control over my Friday, it’s a great day. I like quiet Fridays, ones that I can use to:
- tick things off my to-do list
- start to make a prioritized list for the following week, and
- tidy up my home and office space.
On the very best Fridays, I also go to my favorite yoga class.
When Fridays used to be booked with back to back calls and meetings, I hated them. I couldn’t manage any of my ideal tasks, and then I just felt behind going into the weekend. Now that I’m regaining control of my work life – I fiercely protect this day of the week. This is easier when you work for yourself, but isn’t impossible in a traditional work setting. When you know what works for you, block your calendar, set your boundaries and make it happen.
Making space for quiet thinking
About 10 years ago I was in a leadership role in a non-profit. I loved my work, I loved my team, but at a certain point as our organization grew I always felt overwhelmed and behind. I could never get ahead, especially when it came to strategic thinking. After brainstorming with some colleagues, I came up with a solution that at first sounded absolutely absurd and a little excessive. I scheduled a quarterly “solo strategy retreat.” Once a quarter, I blocked off my calendar and went away for two days by myself. I dressed however would make me feel most productive, brought chart paper and post-it notes for brainstorming, and treated myself to good meals and good coffee. In other words, I acted as if I was on a retreat with my team, but I went on my own. And I came back to “regular” work with my strategic work completed (or at least significantly advanced) and ready to dive back in with my team.
Today I am on day three of a “writers retreat” with a friend. Three years ago we were both enrolled in graduate programs, writing academic papers for the first time in decades. We rented an AirBnB in rural NY and spent three days writing and reading with only goats and birds (and this year, a very stoic mule named Pete) in the background. We’ve been back to the same spot for a writing hiatus every year since. While what we are writing has shifted, making the space to think without everyday distractions is (not to be dramatic) life changing.
Bottom line, find what works for you and make it happen. You won’t regret it.
0 Comments