Calendar vs Flow

Apparently I have a thing about calendars.

We’ve talked about them a few times before on this blog… How calendars can lead growth… Scheduling bright ideas… Defending calendar empty space (twice)…

…and I’m bring them up again.

This time, we’re exploring: what if the goal was an emptier schedule, not a fuller one?

A day full of coloured blocks in your calendar looks productive, but ignores the flow of your energy and interests. No time for creative divergent thinking due to the pursuit of becoming a peak-productivity robot.

A day void of blocks gives space to be productive, by respecting the flow of your energy and interests. No time for being a robot when you’re busy producing great work while in your element.

A full calendar can be a place to hide. Too much to do, not enough time, changing plans feels irresponsible.

Whether you choose to do work that matters by using coloured blocks in a calendar, or you choose to do work that matters by keeping the calendar clear to optimise for flow, remember the reason for choosing either:

Doing work that matters.