As I finish out 2023 with a clearer focus on what my business offers, I’m also embracing a concept I resisted on and off for years: theming my days. I heard about this productivity approach from many sources, but most recently it was Joanna Wiebe of CopyHackers that put in back on my radar.
Here’s how theming works: you start each day with a specific focus. Mondays could be for marketing, Tuesdays for client meetings, Wednesdays for creative work – the possibilities are tailored to your business needs.
This approach simplifies decision-making and cuts down the mental clutter that comes from constant task switching. You dedicate each day to a specific type of task, creating a rhythm that aligns with your natural workflow.
One issue that Joanna Wiebe raised that no one else did was that a business owner’s schedule does not stick to Monday-Friday with weekends off. Her schedule has a theme for each day, from Client Monday to Sanity Saturday and Sunday, where she suggests doing whatever is needed to keep you sane, be it getting to inbox zero or spending time with family.
Efficiency meets flexibility
A common misconception about theming your days is that it’s inflexible or will kill spontaneity. Not so - you can and should adapt it to your own rhythms and energy.
You can keep certain periods open for unplanned tasks or creative exploration. This way, you maintain the structure while allowing room for the unexpected. For example, while today is Content Day, I also made some phone calls about doctor appointments and had a lovely meeting with my Playing Big group. I’m more stringent about sticking with the theme in the mornings, and afternoons are more flexible.
I also don’t do a strict “Mondays are for Marketing”. Instead, I have a list of themes and decide week-by-week which days will be for what theme. Marketing might fall on Monday one week and on Thursday on the following week. Some themes are not weekly - you might do Futurecasting Friday once a quarter.
Personalization is key
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach here. Your themed days should reflect your unique business needs and working style. Start by identifying the major areas of your business and assign each to a specific day of the week, or create a jar of possibilities and pull from it. Think of theming like curating a playlist of tasks for each day and week.
Making theming days work for you
Start small: If you’re new to theming, begin with just one or two themed days per week and gradually expand as you find your rhythm.
Be flexible: Allow your themes to evolve over time. What works one month may need adjustment the next.
Use your tools: Leverage digital tools like calendars and task managers to keep track of your themed days and tasks.
Evaluate regularly: Set aside time each quarter to assess how well your themed days are working. Be prepared to make changes based on your business needs and personal preferences.
Balance rigidity and flexibility: While it’s important to stick to your themes, it’s equally important to give yourself the grace to deviate when necessary.
Share your approach: Discuss your theming strategy with others. This is especially helpful if you’re an employee and need buy-in from colleagues or managers.
Theming your days is about finding your own balance between efficiency and flexibility. It's a practical tool, adaptable to your unique business rhythm and personal style. As you tailor this approach to fit your needs, you'll discover a more focused and fulfilling way to navigate your workweek. Remember that the goal is to make theming work for you, not the other way around.
3 Things
If you have an iPhone and saw widely spread “information” from various police departments about NameDrop, a new feature in iOS 17, fear not: WaPo is here to straighten that whole thing out.
If you have a Gmail account (or a dozen…ahem…), you probably received the notification that they will start deleting dormant accounts permanently.
One, here’s the explainer on how to stop the clock and also get your data out, should you desire it. Two, if your email address has forever been myname9438439@gmail.com perhaps you’ll get a chance to move up! Three, I will be touching on this in my next Authenticated Marketing newsletter, because it will affect deliverability. You should subscribe!Some People (me, ahem) have big feelings about when the week starts. I’m pleased to announce that International Organization for Standardization agrees with me, while more of the world than I knew does not. Wikipedia knows all about Sunday and it’s a fascinating read.