As an executive coach and former CEO, I see that many of my CEO clients have the same issue I did - we don't feel that we control our calendars. We spend too much time putting out fires and attending meetings out of obligation.
Address the underlying resistance and challenge the reasons you are attending meetings that drain your energy. Most often it's fear or control. Fear that others will think that you don’t care if you don’t attend their meeting. Fear that others won’t do it the way that you want it done.
Create a compelling vision of a project that would excite you. Describe the project in detail: what are you doing; who are you talking to; why is it meaningful?
The key to protecting your calendar is having the right mindset.
BE RUTHLESS with your time.
It sounds simple, but I’ve seen it have a big impact. Review your calendar for the past week, current week and following week. Which meetings drain your energy most? Cut at least 1 meeting in each of those weeks. If you can't find a meeting to cut right away, create a plan to phase out of that meeting in the next few months.
BE RUTHLESS, as if your life depends on it.
