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Schedule Focus Weeks
Focused forward
Finding uninterrupted time for deep work can seem like a luxury in the hustle of daily tasks and client meetings. Yet, it’s crucial for creativity and project catch-up. Let’s embrace a powerful habit that can transform our productivity this week: scheduling focus weeks.
Habit of the week:
Schedule Focus Weeks
A focus week is five consecutive workdays blocked out on your calendar, marked as BUSY, where you don't schedule any appointments. This time is dedicated to working uninterrupted on projects, brainstorming, and catching up. It's like being on vacation but with the purpose of clearing your backlog and advancing significant work without the usual interruptions.
Why it matters:
Dedicating a week to focused work allows you to dive deeper into your projects than the typical day-to-day permits. It's an opportunity to make substantial progress, tap into creativity, and finish those tasks that always seem to be pushed to the back burner.
Quick Start Guide:
- Choose Your Weeks: Your weeks don't have to stick to a Monday-Friday schedule. Pick any five days that work best for you.
- Block Your Calendar: Mark this time as BUSY. Treat it with the same respect as you would a weeklong vacation.
- Prioritize Your Tasks: Plan the work you aim to tackle during your Focus Week for maximum productivity.
Cami's Tips
- Maintain Discretion: There's no need to announce your Focus Week to clients; simply mark yourself as "booked." Should they reach out, a polite "I'm currently booked but available next week" maintains professionalism without revealing your internal scheduling.
- Resist Temptation: Stick to your plan. Avoid the urge to break your focus for non-urgent communications.
- Emergency Availability: While the goal is uninterrupted work, you can still address any urgent client emergencies that may arise.
- Reflect and Adjust: After your first Focus Week, note what worked and what didn't. Adjust your approach for next time.
- Regular Scheduling: Aim for a Focus Week once every 4-12 weeks, depending on your workload and needs.
Routine Checkpoint:
Remember, you are indeed booked during your Focus Week—doing the essential work that drives your business forward.
If you've never tried dedicating a week solely to focus, I encourage you to schedule one soon. You'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish without constant interruptions.
What's Your Take?
Have you ever dedicated a week to focused work? How did it change your productivity and project progression? Please share your experiences and thoughts using #WebDesignerHabits and join our community discussion!
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about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help solopreneurs build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.