Today’s newsletter is for you if you often head into the weekend without switching off from work. You’re still thinking about your unfinished tasks on a Friday night, checking emails on Saturday and starting to respond to them on Sunday night.
It has to stop and you know it because otherwise, sooner or later, you’ll burn out.
So how can you claim back your weekend?
By spending 15 minutes on a Friday afternoon to look at the week ahead.
This short meeting with yourself for “work housekeeping” can be your ticket to a relaxed, work-free weekend, so here is how to do it.
Step 1: Block time in your calendar on a Friday afternoon for 30min. You’ll only need 15min but to ensure that happens, block 30.
Step 2: Start your session by looking at next week’s calendar.
-
What’s coming up?
-
What needs preparation?
-
What does your Monday morning look like? (ideally: no meetings, just half a day to get work done and tackle important tasks)
Step 3: Update your To-Do list
-
What are the most important and impactful things you need to work on next week?
-
What can be removed or delegated?
-
Do you need to block time on your calendar for these tasks?
Step 4: Check what you need for next week
-
What information do you need to progress with your work?
-
Who do you need to talk to and collaborate with?
-
What are potential risks and blockers?
When you’re done, you’re done. You’ve prepped for next week and you should now be ready to head into the weekend.
Bonus tip: if you feel the need to check and respond to emails during the weekend, ask yourself why this is necessary. Remember, you’re not just clearing your inbox, you’re filling someone else’s and potentially adding stress to their weekend. Break the cycle and leave it until next week. Or at the very least, schedule the email to go out on Monday…
Have a great week!
Eva
P.S.: Let me help you create more awesome moments in your work day. If you feel like your current job has no room for those awesome moments, send me an email and let me know what you’re struggling with, so we can find a solution together.