I have been a big proponent of white space on the calendar for as long as I can remember.
What is white space?
White space is the space on your calendar that allows you to breathe, pause, think, be creative and make good decisions. I am a calendar girl, all about scheduling and planning for sure. My calendar is usually pretty full with tasks, appointments, places to be, etc. I LOVE when I look at it and see a chunk of white space... By definition: time that has not been allocated to anything!
How glorious.
Or conversely, what does it feel like (and probably more relevant these days with overflowing inboxes and incessant demands) when we look at our calendar, and there is NO white space? I often feel suffocated, stressed, overwhelmed and tired. For me, it means I need to evaluate what is on there and probably start creating some white space in order to function optimally.
Sometimes that means rescheduling appointments. Sometimes, as Warren Buffett says: "You've gotta keep control of your time, and you can't unless you say no." It involves thinking and planning for sure.
So start to factor a little bit of white space into your life. Think of it as a strategic pause. Open, uncommitted time that allows choice and think time (another lost art form). And remember that when there is open time on the calendar it is quite OK.
If you start to be aware and mindful and give yourself permission to do it, you will:
- Feel better overall
- Reduce stress for sure
- Breathe
- Absolutely feel more productive
Who knows? You might even feel happier.
Have a white space kinda day!
Coach Nancy