What would we learn about you?
What’s your ideal weekend?
A few things probably come to mind when I ask this question. Perhaps there’s time with family or chosen family, physical activities that you enjoy, time spent outdoors, space for spiritual connection or intellectual pursuits.
And I’ll bet that if you shared that ideal weekend with me, I would learn a lot about what you value. What is important to you. What lights you up and fills your cup.
But what if I asked you about how you actually spend your time, across your entire week.
Would it match those values?
Would there actually be time for those important activities?
Are you regularly finding yourself lit up with your cup filled?
For most of us, there’s a disconnect between how we WANT to spend our time and how we ACTUALLY spend our time.
Does this describe you?
On the surface, most of us know that we need to carve out time ourselves for the things that are most important to us.
We see how easy it is for things like work to take up as much space as we’ll give them.
We hear ourselves saying yes to invitations because we don’t already have something “scheduled”, even when it means giving up time we’d rather be doing something else.
We say things like “where has the time gone” or “If I ever get around to it.”
So often, we’re letting our calendar rule us, rather than using it as a tool to support living the life we want to live.
If you find yourself wanting to reclaim your calendar, make sure yours includes:
Your values
Before looking at your calendar as it stands now, consider that “ideal weekend”. How are you spending your time, and what does it say about what’s most important to you? Now, block time on your calendar to reflect those values. This might include time volunteering, a regular date-night with your partner, or time with an important hobby.
Your obligations
Next, consider your obligations and commitments. Where have you said you’re going to be, or how have you committed to spending your time? Block time on your calendar for those obligations.
Your self care
Now, add the blocks you need for the self care that keeps you going. This could include sleep, fitness, spiritual practices, or time with nature.
Now that you’ve blocked out time for the activities you value most, your obligations, and the self care that keeps you performing well, you may see appointments on your calendar that no longer make sense. Take a moment to remove what no longer serves on your calendar.
Your calendar is a tool to serve YOU, not the other way around. When we take time to make sure it includes what serves us and how we want to show up in the world, we can reclaim our calendar and create a stronger sense of agency in our lives.
How will you ensure your calendar serves you this week?
April 30, 2026
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
