Time Theming works really well when used in the broadest of senses.
You can define your day, have a specific focus for your month, or even have a clearly assigned block of time set aside during the day to work on something that only you can work on. (For example, I like to use a Horizontal Theme of writing).
It works in those cases because it can be consistent…and you need it to be consistent. If an approach isn’t consistent, then it won’t work.
Ultimately, this mindset allows you to work by task over time.
The Time Theming mindset doesn’t work when you apply it to appointments of any sort – even those that you usually have on the same day and time. Why?
Because you don’t have complete control over them. Someone else is in the mix. Essentially, it’s those irregular and inconsistent appointments that force you to work by time over task.
That’s why it is important to look at your calendar and confirm those inconsistencies every day.
Otherwise, you run the risk of making assumptions about appointments involving others, and that can create a risk of missing appointments altogether.
How do I know this?
It’s happened to people I work with. It’s happened to me.
So here’s a good rule of thumb when it comes to using your calendar with the Time Theming mindset – and TimeCrafting as a whole:
- Have your Time Themes in your calendar (Daily, Monthly, Horizontal, and Weekly Sprints). These will serve as reminders of you’ve defined your time so that your intentions get your attention consistently.
- Check your calendar for future specific appointments. You’ll want to look in advance – even the day before as a final confirmation – so that you don’t miss an event that is irregular or inconsistent. This will help you work your tasks for the day around those specific events.
I wrote this for me just as much as I wrote it for you. Now let’s try to keep it in mind moving forward.
