An executive was frustrated at having no time to plan the year ahead. How much time did she need? "Just one day." We opened her calendar — not a single full day free. "What about two half-days?" She found two mornings, 12 and 19 November, and blocked them for strategic planning.
"Excellent," I said. "Now let's book our next session. You're free the morning of the 12th, so let's set it then." Without hesitating she started adding it — and I exclaimed "Nooooooo!" She froze, realizing she was about to give away the very time she'd just committed to herself. An epiphany about protecting your own boundaries.
Takeaways: set clear boundaries for your own development; honor commitments to yourself as you would to others; use accountability to help you keep your priorities.
