We’re halfway through our mini-burnout prevention series, and so far, we’ve explored the power of non-negotiables and the importance of prioritizing activities that refuel you.
This week, we’re talking about a solid strategy that will help you integrate those elements into a sustainable, balanced schedule: mapping out your ideal week. The key word here is sustainable!
What is an Ideal Week?
This concept comes from Michael Hyatt and the Full Focus Company, and it’s simple but profoundly meaningful. Here’s the gist: imagine a week where your work and personal life exist in perfect harmony.
If things were balanced out the way you want them to be, what would that look like?
How to Map it Out …
Start by identifying your “big rocks:” the main activities that are the most important to you (besides work!). For me, this includes dedicated (and unhurried) time for morning devotionals, quality time with my husband, kids, and parents, daily workouts, and social connections. During warmer months, spending time outside becomes another non-negotiable. Sitting in nature, praying, refuels me like nothing else.
Take a few minutes to think of your own big rocks.
Block out time for these “big rocks” first, before scheduling anything else. If your big rocks includes a weekly date night with your husband, block it out like you would a meeting or appointment. If your big rocks include daily workouts, schedule them like an appointment.
Now, here’s the beautiful little trick: build your work schedule around these predetermined chunks of time. This simple shift forces you to approach work with intentionality, ensuring it doesn’t encroach on your personal life and the things you say are most important to you. (Or, the summer of your dreams!)
What we tend to do instead is block out time for work and then hope for the best when it comes to everything else. We do it backward!
Once you’ve crafted your ideal week, compare it to your current schedule. What glaring discrepancies do you see? What needs to change to achieve a more balanced approach? Remember, a week that reflects your core values and nourishes your soul is a powerful defense against burnout. Does your week reflect what you say is important to you? Work will always be there. But at the end of our lives, we aren’t going to hope to be surrounded with piles of tech and emails and Zoom meetings and discovery calls. We will want to be surrounded by those we love – with a faith that is strong and brings us comfort in the better things to come.
We need to build our weeks (and our lives) in a way that reflects this.
Here are some additional tips for crafting your ideal week:
- Be realistic: Don’t overload your schedule with unrealistic expectations. Give yourself time to get things done. Ensure you aren’t expecting too much out of yourself by giving yourself small chunks of time for big tasks.
- Schedule buffer time: Account for unexpected tasks and leave room to breathe. No blocks on your calendar should be back-to-back. Leave at least 15 minutes breathing room between your blocks.
- Review and adjust: Your ideal week might change over time, so revisit and adapt it as needed. You use this ideal week as a measuring stick to check yourself against.
By taking the time to design your ideal week, you’re taking control of your time and prioritizing what truly matters. This creates a roadmap for a fulfilling life, both inside and outside the realm of business. Stay tuned next week for another bite-sized tip to conquer burnout!
PS – Ready to take your Instagram game and small business to the next level? Join The Success Squad waiting list by clicking here. The Success Squad runs three times per year and includes live weekly coaching from me AND a robust digital course (modules released weekly during the Squad).
Disclaimer: While Kelly is a certified business coach this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as financial advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace legal or financial advice. Always check with your own legal or financial team before trying or implementing any information read here. As an Amazon Associate Kelly also earns from qualifying purchases.
