Writing Your Autobiography Each Day

I recently read in Farnam Street that “your calendar is the most honest autobiography you will ever write.” I  have almost nothing to add to that. Clearly, how we spend our time tells the story of our days, our weeks, our years, and our lives. 

And yet many of us, especially in our professional lives, let our calendar control us rather than taking control of it ourselves.  It is akin to allowing someone else to define your life. 

Bret Jacobsen recently asked us to scrutinize our calendars by posing these three cogent questions:

1. What should you cancel, reschedule, delegate?

2.  What is missing? Time for learning? Walking around engaging with employees? Thinking strategically?

3. Most importantly, how does it account for the unexpected, unpredictable moments that are around the corner?

The first two questions help clarify how you are spending your time at work, highlighting your work priorities and effectively writing your work autobiography. 

As we approach a new year, take control of your calendar and consciously write your own autobiography; don’t let your assistant, or worse, inertia dictate it for you.

Michelman Musings will be taking the next two weeks off to celebrate the season. During this time, I plan to write a piece of my autobiography by spending more time with my family. 

Have a great holiday!