Better Calendar = More Fun!

Happy Thursday!  This month, we’re thinking differently about how to incorporate more fun into your experience as a tech leader.  Here’s what you need to know in tech in under 2 minutes…

What tech leaders should be thinking about this week:  How spending 15minutes optimizing your calendar before each work-week can have a massive impact on how much fun you’re having professionally.  The single biggest driver of stress that I’ve seen with tech leaders relates to their (packed) schedule. A lack of calendar control leads to scattered thoughts, micro-managing, burnout, and zero opportunity for more pleasant experiences (aka fun!). I’ve noticed when tech leaders spend a few minutes being intentional about their calendar their fun-level skyrockets – especially with blocks of time + reminders around sleep, exercise, commute, food, and family. Getting really deliberate about these daily activities will allow you space to be more creative, innovate, and impactful while you’re actually working (the fun stuff!). See if being more rigid withyour calendar leads to a more engaging professional experience for you!      

Why this is important:  Tech professionals are not prioritizing themselves enough. Especially those in leadership positions – we’re giving away too much every day (you probably already know this + feel this). By taking more control of your work calendar, everyone in tech can have a better, well-rounded, more fun experience. The two areas I recommend you prioritize:  sleep and family time.  I’ve learned that great leaders in tech get more sleep than you’d expect and are hyper-focused on shutting-off for their families. They know both priorities will allow them to stay focused during the work-day and win long-term.

Where you’ll see impact:  Having more intention around your work-week calendar will create instant results. Of course, you’ll get more sleep and probably feel better with blocks of time dedicated to exercise and/or healthy food, but you’ll really notice a difference in your headspace (stress!)throughout the day. You’ll limit wondering about a ton of stuff:  from when you’ll get home to your capacity to sign-up for a new project. Bottom line – you’ll create more control over your experience leading to less stress and more fun. Who knew a work-calendar could make such a huge difference in the amount of fun you’re having on the job?

Value Add – Additional ways to show-up as a leader:  Even though we’re in the second-half of August, I’m still focused on sharing mindless / beach-fun recommendations for you to enjoy this month. Think stupid shows, funny podcasts, good movies, etc.  This week, I think you should check-out the latest book by Chelsea Handler called “I’ll Have What She’s Having.” It’s the perfect blend of self-help, humor, practical advice and “reality check” on what’s most important in life.  Check it out wherever you get your books.  Enjoy!

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Here’s to your Engaged Pursuit!