If your calendar’s a mess, your day probably is too. Meetings pile up. Tasks fall through the cracks. And before you know it, there’s no time left to do the work that actually matters. These ten tips can help you take back control and make better use of your time.
1. Plan Around Priorities
Don’t leave your most important work to chance. Choose what matters most, and make space for it first. Schedule those tasks before anything else gets in the way.
2. Set Limits on Your Time
Decide when your workday starts and ends. Put that in your calendar. Let coworkers know when you’re available—and when you’re not. Add short breaks so you don’t burn out.
3. Make Room to Focus
Block off time to do deep work with no interruptions. Silence your phone. Close your inbox. Tell your team you’re heads-down. Use that time to tackle your top tasks.
4. Put Tasks on the Calendar
Use your calendar for more than meetings. Schedule time to answer emails, write reports, or prep for the week. Leave gaps between blocks so you’re not racing from one thing to the next.
5. Check In Each Week
Take a few minutes every week to look over your calendar. What worked? What didn’t? Drop meetings that waste time. Shift things around based on what’s coming up next.
6. Use Helpful Tools
Pick tools that connect well with your calendar. A good scheduling app can cut down on back-and-forth emails. Task apps help you stay organized. Use what works for you.
7. Cut Down on Meetings
Say no to meetings that don’t need you. If you lead the meeting, make a clear plan. Keep it short. Only invite people who really need to be there.
8. Build in Breathing Room
Add buffer time between meetings or tasks. These short breaks help you reset, catch up, or handle unexpected things without falling behind.
9. Share Good Habits
Talk to your team about how you manage your time. Share your calendar. Offer tips that help everyone stay on track. When time is respected, work improves.
10. Set the Standard
If you’re in a leadership role, your habits shape the culture. Show up on time. Stick to the plan. Respect others’ schedules. Others will follow your lead.
Final Thought…..
You don’t need to be booked from morning to night to get things done. A well-managed calendar gives you time to think, plan, and focus on what matters. Set it up with care, and you’ll feel more in control of your work and your day.
If you are seeking to improve your level of productivity, check out my online course, “Pathway to Productivity and Better Time Management.”
Dave Edwards Media 