Shape Your Calendar, Shape Your Practice

Your calendar isn’t just a road map of where you are supposed to be at any given time. It is a management system that, if curated well, can help you be more organized, focused and productive. Your daily choices influence the big picture. So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-shaped calendar system. Here are a few simple tips to get started.

1. Refrain from Overcommitting

If your day is stacked end-to-end with court appearances, client meetings and document drafting, that’s not sound scheduling; it’s more like reckless gambling. Instead, leave some space in your day for the unexpected items that always seem to pop up. Leaving small blocks of time open allows you to address sudden situations, or to take a walk outside or breathe mindfully to clear your head.

2. Weekly Review

Take time every Friday to look ahead. Consider what is coming up that is high priority or what can be rescheduled, delegated or prepped now to save you time later. A weekly calendar review can be a highly effective tool to stay on top of things. While daily review of your calendar is important, so is looking ahead weekly to help you stay focused on the big picture. 

3. Color-Code with Purpose

Color-coding in digital calendars is an easy way to use categories that actually help: court appearances, client meetings, research, travel. Using colors to highlight categories or priorities (however it works best for you) can help you course-correct early and with less stress.

4. Protect Your Time

Your calendar isn’t just for recording court dates and client meetings. Blocking out uninterrupted time for research, strategizing or drafting is vital.  Putting time into your calendar for thinking, researching and drafting is a great way to ensure you have interrupted space to devote to what needs to get done. The trick is to guard this time slot as much as you would a court appearance or client meeting.   

5. Outsource and Delegate When Appropriate

Your time and energy are precious and limited resources which must be guarded. When your schedule fills up with court appearances and filing deadlines, consider using trusted help. Whether it’s a per diem attorney handling court appearances or a paralegal preparing filings, outsourcing and delegation allows you to work on other matters and, ultimately, make your practice more efficient and productive.

Overall, start small, stay consistent, and give yourself room to breathe.