No Meeting Friday.

I am a feigned about my calendar.

For years--decades--I was a paper planner woman. Big law changed that and I am now digital through and through.

But, protecting my time remains a critical goal.

One of the best things I've done for myself is this: No Meetings Fridays.

Every Friday on my calendar is blocked as OOO (out of office)--into infinity. It is a scheduled, on the books, recurring block.

Am I always out of the office on Fridays? No (although I do tend to WFH (work from home) on Fridays).

But, the block reminds me to ask myself, "Do I need to schedule a meeting on Friday?" or "Do I have to give up this time?"

8/10 times the answer is no.

And, if I do need to schedule something on Friday, I aim to have it done before 12 PM CT.

Why? Because NO ONE likes a Friday afternoon meeting. NO. ONE.

Of course, trial, depositions, hearings, client meetings, and other mandatory deadlines--anything that is required of me--that needs to happen on a Friday, does indeed happen on a Friday (or any other time and day of the week).

But, when this block works, it is glorious.

Today is one of those days. A true No Meeting Friday.

So, I'm at a coffee shop, knocking out administrative and business development tasks, as well as billable actions that cannot wait.

This reminder--this no-meeting time block--reminds me that I have choices about my time. It helps me build some control and a greater sense of autonomy.

Few of us are truly so important that we cannot create blocks like this on our calendars.

I have a similar block on Monday from 8 AM CT to 12 PM CT. Why? So I can start my week off on the right foot--with focused, intentional time.

Do I have more meetings Tuesday through Thursday because of these blocks? Yes.

But, I'm also still generally and reasonably available.

When people ask me when I can meet, I no longer say "any time you can."

I offer up the times that work best for me.

Usually, that means Monday afternoons through Thursday evening, with Monday and Friday mornings the back up, if no other slot works.

Deep work, blocked time is required to move my practice forward. Without intention, I'd rarely have it.

As you rise in this profession--as you grow as a human, in life--the things vying for your time increase exponentially. Without intention, I'd not have time to get things done, make meaningful choices, or take care of myself and my work.

So, block some time. Give it time to click, to become a habit to not give away that time. And, relish it when the no-meeting-days come your way.

♥️✌🏻🔥