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“Discipline is important for everyone. Whether you are the CEO of a huge corporation or a Shift Manager at your local Starbucks, discipline is what will set you apart from the rest of the world. A lot of great leaders have already paved the way for us. It’s so beneficial for us to look at what they are doing and try to emulate that in our own way.” -Victor Musch
When I think of productive office schedules I think of leaders. Nothing sets the pace better than a good example. No one sets a better example than a good leader.
A recent infographic I found on Pinterest led me to do a little research. I’ve also talked with a couple friends of mine in business. Here’s what I’ve learned.
The average leader…
Wakes up at 6:15am
I usually get up between 7:oo – 7:30am. I’m going to try this out so I have time for what comes next. Maybe this means no more staying up past midnight?
Exercises from 6:15 – 7:00am
I’ve just healed up from a glute/hamstring injury so I’m excited to get back into exercise. I’ve always wanted to do it in the morning but never did. Now I have a little incentive!
Get’s ready from 7:00 – 7:50am
Shower, shave, and shine your shoes. Whatever floats your boat is fine here, just don’t skip breakfast! Even if you just grab something to go, eat as well balanced of a breakfast as you can. This is something I never miss.
Commutes from 7:50am – 8:15am
I’m guessing this is because most leaders have a 9 to 5 and like to be there early. How early do you want to arrive? Just slide the scale around if you aren’t so ambitious yet. But at least get there 15 minutes early.
Emails/Texts from 8:15 – 9:15am
The average leader spends 2 hours and 25 minutes emailing/texting every day. This is where the important emails are replied to I suppose. I do this myself but leave a lot of the emails for later in the day.
Strategizes from 9:15 – 9:40am
I like this one a lot. It’s basically a little break where you set goals for the days/weeks/months/years ahead and review goals that have already been set. I’m going to structure this into my day the same way.
Snacks/Breaks from 9:40 – 10:00am
I would be lying if I didn’t admit that during my breaks I usually find something to do. Everyone once in a while I check completely out, but most of the time I read and reply to emails.
Meetings/Tasks/Projects from 10:00 – 12:30pm
Seems like a good time to do any video conferencing or office meetings to me. I think I could use this time best to sit down with Mark and go over whatever projects we have coming up.
Lunch from 12:30 – 1:00pm
What better time than that?
Emails/Texts/Phone Calls from 1:00 – 1:50pm
After lunch seems like a good idea to let your food settle and handle any communications necessary by means of emailing and making phone calls. A few texts won’t hurt anything!
Teamwork from 1:50 – 3:35pm
As everyone settles down into the last real productive chunk of the day at the office, I can see why this would be the perfect time to start or continue joint efforts. I’m going to open this part of my schedule up to handling specific tasks with Mark as they come up.
Snacks/Breaks from 3:35 – 3:45pm
Here’s a nicely placed break. Get your head together and have a bite before jumping into your last round of meetings. I know first hand and from experiences shared with me by family and friends that meetings toward the end of the day can be very taxing. Take time to yourself before the fun begins!
Meetings from 3:45 – 4:15pm
The most demanding meetings are usually scheduled toward the end of the day. It’s a time for everyone to cover the important business and prepare for the future of business to the best of their ability. I think this is a great time to get it going in case the meeting runs late. Nothing is worse than your head honchos keeping you in the office later than you expected.
Tasks/Projects from 4:15 – 5:30pm
If there’s any time left after the meetings, this is the perfect time to wrap up any tasks or projects that you have going on for the day. Maybe you can even get a jump start on another project. For me, this is the perfect time to get a blog post finished and scheduled for publishing either in the evening or following morning.
Commutes from 5:30 – 6:00pm
As tempting as the 5 o’clock rush hour sounds, I don’t usually participate in it. You can find me working on a project or writing new content until at least 6:00pm. Normally I’m busy at the office much later than that.
Dinner from 6:00 – 7:00pm
The perfect time for dinner for most folks. As for me, I’m probably eating a dinner/snack at the office around this time.
Socializes from 7:00 – 8:45pm
Ironically a lot of my social life begins at 7:00pm. That’s usually when I get out. I meet with friends and may even catch a movie at the theater if something really cool is playing.
Family & Leisure from 8:45 – 11:00pm
I like to be home around this time as well. Leisure is always nice when obligations are squarely met and services are gladly rendered. I like to keep my priorities in order.
Personal Development from 11:00 – 11:30pm
Along with morning prayer and mediation, I also like to wind down with Spiritual and Personal Development in the evening. I also like to read for a few moments to get outside of myself and navigate my perspectives in the direction I need.
Sleeps from 11:40 – 6:15am
When the slippers come off, I’m under the covers with a lamp on watching a movie. I find TV so boring that I use it to fall asleep. I never watch TV during the day unless I glance over at something another person has put on. It’s my sleep aid!
Breakdown
Discipline is important for everyone. Whether you are the CEO of a huge corporation or a Shift Manager at your local Starbucks, discipline is what will set you apart from the rest of the world. A lot of great leaders have already paved the way for us. It’s so beneficial for us to look at what they are doing and try to emulate that in our own way. What would work for us? Think about one thing you can change each day until you make the most productive schedule for yourself.
