Schedule blocks of buffers between 90 mins to 2 hrs daily.
Take coaching for example. When the company grows larger, you will have all the experiences and the best person to solve all the problems. But, there is only one you. Spend the time to coach those who stand to benefit from it most, taking time in between meetings to recharge too.
As the company expands in depths and breadths, you will require more time to think. Think about company projects, ways to innovate, address customers' needs, widen an advantage, close a competitive gap, etc.
That thinking requires uninterrupted focus, thoroughly developing and questioning assumptions, synthesizing all the data, information and knowledge that's coming at you incessantly; connecting the dots, bouncing of ideas and iterating multiple scenarios. It takes time and you are the only one who can carve the time out.If you don't take the time to think proactively, you will be reacting to the environment instead of influencing it. This results inevitably in more time wasted than strategic thinking would have to begin with.
Scheduling buffers is a good way to catch your breath. It's not sustainable to sit through meeting all day long, feeling that you are not in control of your own time.
Take the time to catch up on the latest industry news, declutter your mailbox or simply take a walk. Make time for yourself, everyday, systematically, don't leave it to chance.
