Month 1: Schedule Clutter Game Plan

Saying "no" to good, fun, worthy endeavors or small, urgent, or meaningful favors has always been challenging. The obvious problem is that saying "yes" to too many tasks or scheduled events plunges life into a perpetual state of hurry and stress. My calendar might show eight or ten hours booked with meetings and work, but then another five are spent mentally juggling a checklist of small items, problem-solving during transit, or catching up on a flood of texts while eating whatever's convenient and healthy (often just a can of sardines because nothing says "successful adult" quite like eating fish from a tin).

It's clearly a problem. I cycle through periods of being extremely disciplined about turning down meetings, jobs, volunteer positions, and hobbies, and during those periods I am clearly happier, more patient, and more generous. But hectic happenings and responsibilities inevitably creep back into my schedule (as though it weren’t my own choices which allowed them to do so). It's like a movie franchise that pumps out a new and worse sequel every few years—"Overbooked 7: This Time It's Personal" now playing in the theater of my life.

When I was in college, I remember growing unusually fond of the bathroom because that was where I had three minutes free from assignments and campus jobs. I relished the peace and quiet, but woe to the person who tried to strike up a conversation over the stalls. Turns out, there are downsides to wearing recognizable shoes.

Fortunately, I am not that far gone these days, but it’s still not pleasant. My typical response to, “How are you?” is: “Good, but really busy”. I’d like to change that.

I plan to tackle this schedule-decluttering through a four-part approach:

1. Eliminating Time Wasters: Removing obvious drains on my time that don't require saying "no" to anyone but myself.

2. Chore Optimization: Streamlining household tasks to spend more time on ones I find relaxing and less on those I dislike.

3. Setting Clearer Boundaries: Establishing firmer limits around time spent on work, volunteer commitments, and various tasks (whether requested of me or self-imposed).

4. Strategic Refusal: Practicing the art of politely declining and letting go of time-consuming activities that others have requested of me (Unfortunately, "That sounds like a wonderful opportunity for someone else" and "I'd love to, but I've recently committed to preserving my sanity" don’t count as ‘polite’).

   
   

Anyone have techniques that worked for you?