When you think about creating white space on your calendar and are mindful of not overscheduling, beware of the creep.
Relax. I’m not talking about that weird guy who works at the Hallmark store in the mall where you bought said calendar.
Let me explain.
You’ve decided you want to reduce your obligations, increase your downtime, and enjoy your life a little more. To that end, you’ve created a little space on the calendar.
You’re just looking for a little break, a little respite from the chaos.
You say “no” more often.
You schedule in “me” time.
You fill in fewer boxes.
Great job.
But no matter how open your schedule might be, life is always life-ing, and without fail, unexpected obligations, responsibilities, and events will insist on creeping in and stealing time from your calendar when you least expect it.
Your car will suddenly need new tires.
A family member will come in from out of town and need a place to stay.
Your water heater will explode and need to be replaced.
The Yanni concert will come to town.
You get my drift.
Things you didn’t foresee will creep in and steal your time and fill up those little white boxes on the calendar.
Even when you’ve been diligent about prioritizing for “less.”
Beware the creep.
The best way to deal with the creep—even if you’re already committed to reducing your schedule—is to set in a little buffer or margin that considers the creep and accounts for it.
And that’s in addition to what you’ve already done.
Set aside just a little extra room or time for that unexpected moment.
You may not think you will need it.
But trust me, you will. TZT
You can find more about these kinds of topics in my book written especially for teachers called The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom,