Protected time
Published:
What if every block on your calendar is taken up by Zoom meetings or tasks? Maybe you want to play a video game, read a book, update your app, or build something new. You need time for that. I call it protected time.
Protected time is time for yourself when no one interrupts you or asks you to do something. That means no messages or phone calls unless you choose to spend your protected time that way. You can sit and think, play a video game, relax in an armchair with a good book, or go for a walk. You can do whatever you want. This time is yours.
It's a good time to learn something new that could help your career.
Protected time can be any time that fits your schedule: a few hours in the morning, in the evening before bed, or after everyone else has gone to sleep. You know your routine best, so you can decide what time works for you.
I used to get up at 5 a.m. and spend four hours on my projects and reading. At some point, I had less time in the morning, so I moved this block to the evening. Now I'm thinking about moving it back. Early mornings feel almost magical. Most people are still asleep or on their way to work, so no one bothers me and I can focus on my own things.
What does your protected time look like?