Why No Meeting Fridays are a Non-Negotiable

Category

Mar 11

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind: back-to-back weeks of business travel, facilitating two team retreats, attending a national conference, celebrating my daughter's birthday, and even squeezing in a school play and some guilty pleasure reading for good measure. But who am I kidding? It won't get much better in the coming weeks either!

Balancing work and life is enough to make anyone's head spin, but the one thing that's kept me afloat?

My sacred No Meeting Fridays rule.

Yes, you read that right. No meetings on Fridays, no exceptions, so I can make progress on what matters.

Not even when the rest of my calendar is bursting with appointments, or when colleagues are clamoring for time, and certainly not when the siren song of "just this once" beckons.

Why Ditch Meetings on Fridays?

You Need Time to Catch Up: No meeting Fridays give you the flexibility to wrap up all the little work things that have gotten away from you over the course of the week, so you can set yourself up up for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating weekend.
You Want Dedicated Time to Think Bigger & Work Smarter: Back-to-back meetings barely give you a moment to breathe and use the restroom, let alone think more strategically. You need time and space to step back and be more intentional.
You Need a Break from Being Always On: Meetings can be mentally draining for introverts. A no-meeting Friday offers precious downtime to recharge, process, and return to the week refreshed and ready to shine.
Bonus: You don't want to get camera-ready every day! Save that time for something that you enjoy more - which for me includes devouring great books.

How to Make a "No Meeting Day" a Reality:

Communicate Your Plan: Clearly communicate your plan to colleagues, managers, and your team. Be open, address concerns, and you might be surprised how many others crave a meeting-free day!
Phase in Your No Meeting Friday Slowly: Begin by gradually reducing Friday meetings. Block off time in your calendar and politely decline new invitations as they come in by suggesting an alternate time instead. Remember, consistency is key, even if it's just a few hours initially.
Hold the Line: Exceptions are tempting, but even one meeting can disrupt your flow. Stay strong! Your focused Friday is a sacred space for peak productivity. (True story: I once agreed to a one hour meeting, once per month on a Friday for 4 months for a favorite client and regretted it almost instantly. It messed up my ability to plan and concentrate on deeper, more strategic work.)

How to Use Your No Meeting Friday Well:

Savor the Slower Pace: Ditch the multitasking and savor uninterrupted focus. Immerse yourself in one task at a time, let your mind wander, and explore new ideas.

Catch Up and Conquer: Use the time to tie up loose ends, answer emails, or tackle administrative tasks that you used to do after hours, but don't use the entire day for this either. Be proactive too!
Plan Like a Pro: Become a master planner! Use Friday to create a solid plan for the upcoming week, organize tasks, set priorities, and even hold a short planning meeting with your partner on the home front. Ducks in a row equals productivity unleashed!
Fuel Your Mind: Dive into that article you've been saving, research a new skill, or simply indulge in some good old-fashioned reading. Learning and growth don't stop on Fridays!
Think Big: Step back from the daily grind and dedicate time to strategic thinking, brainstorm new ideas, or connect with your long-term vision. Unleash your creativity and innovation!
Connect and Recharge: Have lunch with a friend, enjoy a solo walk, or simply take a break to chat and laugh. Social connection and mental breaks are essential for well-being and productivity.

"No Meeting Fridays" aren't about laziness; they're about strategic work management and personal well-being. So, give it a try. You might just discover the key to a more productive, fulfilling, and ultimately, happier workweek. Remember, a free Friday is a powerful Friday!