Take control of your weeks by designing the perfect schedule.
Today we dive into practical strategies for taking back control of your time by creating the perfect weekly schedule. A schedule that not only aligns with your priorities but also helps you minimize distractions, maximize productivity, and avoid burnout.
The framework Megan Long discusses in this episode, is called the "Ideal Week", based on Todd Duncan’s book Time Traps. By the end of the exercise, you'll walk away with a weekly schedule that includes all the essential activities -- team meetings, one-on-ones, and strategic work -- while also making room for personal development, self-care, and focus time. Once you’ve crafted this schedule, it’s about sticking to it and protecting your time from last-minute disruptions.
At the end of the episode, Megan also shares four of her favorite hacks to help you maintain control over your calendar (including how to avoid Sunday Scaries!)
You'll hear all about:
00:32 – Avoid the trap of always being available. Constant distractions reduce your effectiveness.
01:10 – Protect your calendar—don’t allow last-minute appointments or impromptu meetings.
01:55 – Introducing the ideal week framework from Todd Duncan’s book, Time Traps.
02:18 – Step one: Identify your top “must-do” activities like team meetings, one-on-ones, and priority work.
03:03 – Step two: Identify the “want-to-do” activities like personal development or self-care.
03:45 – Fill out an ideal week template to map out your day-to-day activities, from meals to work priorities.
05:16 – Focus on revenue-producing and value-creating activities like client proposals.
06:04 – Hold yourself accountable to your ideal week by printing it out or using a digital calendar.
06:45 – Megan’s top tips: 1) No meeting Mondays, 2) Group one-on-one meetings, 3) Block time for travel, 4) Leave protected blank space for deep work.
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