When my calendar became my boss - how did I take back control?
Spoiler Alert! If you just want to get to the point:
| Problem | Solution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Overcrowded calendar, constant stress | Conscious time blocking, prioritisation | More free time, less stress |
| "Majd én megoldom mindent" hozzáállás | Delegation and Borders setting up | More effective teamwork, a better balanced life |
| Always available status | Digital detox and offline timelines | Increased creativity and presence |
Want the full story? Read on!
It was Sunday evening, my seventh consecutive weekend of work, when I realized: my calendar was no longer my tool - I had become its tool. The colour blocks lined up on the screen were like a wall separating me from everything that really mattered to me. Remember what it feels like to breathe freely?
The moment when the glass is full
Ültem az irodámban este 7-kor, miközben a gyerekeim már rég aludtak. A feleségem üzenete villogott a telefonomon: "Ma sem vacsorázol velünk?" Ez volt az a pillanat, amikor rájöttem: valami nagyon nincs rendben.
The next morning, I had my usual coffee and didn't look at my leaves first. Instead, I wrote on a blank sheet of paper three questions:
- Why do I feel that I don't have enough time?
- Is every meeting really necessary?
- Who really controls my life?
The first steps towards change
Az első, amit tettem: átnéztem az előző heti naptáramat. És amit láttam, az sokkolt. A 40 órás munkahét helyett valójában 68 órát töltöttem munkával. Ebből 22 óra volt megbeszélés, amiből legalább 10 olyan, ahol valójában csak "jelen kellett lennem". Még a 15 perces ebédszüneteimet is betáblázták.
Then I realised: the chaos was not coming from outside. I created it, by taking it all on.
How did I take back control?
1. Reallocating my time
Először is, minden reggel kijelöltem két órát a "mély munkára" – olyan időt, amikor senki nem zavarhatott meg. Eleinte óriási ellenállásba ütközött ez a kollégáim részéről. "De hát mindig elérhető voltál!" – hallottam sokszor. De kitartottam, és néhány hét múlva már látszottak az eredmények. Többet végeztem el kevesebb idő alatt.
2. A "Nem" erejének felfedezése
That was the hardest one. For years I thought the good Manager always available, always helping. But I realised: when you say yes to everyone, you're actually saying yes to yourself. your priorities you say no.
Elkezdtem szelektálni és amikor felkértek valamire, először magamtól kérdeztem meg: "Ez valóban az én feladatom? Én tudom ezt a legjobban megoldani?" Ha a válasz nem volt egyértelmű igen, akkor delegáltam vagy egyszerűen nemet mondtam.
3. Setting digital boundaries
Bevezettem az "e-mail mentes" időszakokat. I only checked my mail three times a day, not every 5 minutes. And I put my phone on silent after 7 pm. At first I had panic attack-like feelings - what if I missed something? But I soon realised: the world wouldn't fall apart if I didn't react immediately.
The breakthrough moment
Three months had passed, when one Monday morning I noticed something strange: my stomach didn't cramp at the sight of my weekly calendar. My appointments had been halved. I was meeting deadlines while being home by 5pm on Fridays. And the most astonishing thing: my team's performance had not deteriorated, it had improved!
I realised that continuous availability is not really a sign of efficiency - but of Borders the absence of. When I did my best for everyone, I couldn't really do my best for anyone.
The lesson
The time management it's not about cramming more into a day. It's about focusing on the right things and having the courage to let go of what doesn't serve us.
Today, my calendar no longer controls me, I control my calendar. And in the process, I have not only become a better leader, but a better parent, a better partner and most importantly, a more balanced person.
Does this story sound familiar to you? Do you feel like you've lost control of your time? You are not alone. Many people struggle with similar challenges, and sometimes it's hard to find a way out on your own.
A CoachLab Coaching Services team understand these challenges and help you take back control of your time, not the other way around. An personalised coaching process, we will uncover the real reasons and work together to develop strategies that work in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to make a real difference in time management?
A: In our experience, after 4-6 weeks of conscious practice, there is a noticeable change, but the deep, long-term results usually require 3-6 months of consistent work.
Q: Do I have to give up spontaneity if I want to manage my time better?
A: Not at all! In fact, the effective time management just allows more room for spontaneity, because you have already allocated time for the essentials.
Q: How do I get started if I feel I've completely lost control of my time?
A: The first step is always awareness. For just one week, observe and make a note of what you're actually spending your time on. That alone can lead to insights that will start the change. And if you need help with this process, we at CoachLab are happy to support you on this journey.
