Have you ever reached the end of what feels like a gruelling workday (😮💨), only to realize you didn’t actually accomplish anything? That it was just meeting after meeting (🤷♂️) #OverloadAlert

There's so much in the world we can't control. But, we can actually control our time. Here are four, easy-to-implement steps, that can take your calendar from working against you to working for you.

1️⃣ Ask yourself, “Do you really need the meeting?”

Unproductive meetings ❌ lead to wasting crores each year. There should be a clear purpose statement to a meeting. The reality is for almost half of the meetings we schedule, we could simply pick up the phone or shoot a text for a quick answer. I usually do it when I start my day, helps managing my time better.

2️⃣ Invite less people and keep it short.

So you invite him, and her and then Shruti and then Ankit. Hold on! Research has found that the optimal size of a decision-making meeting is around four to six people. Also, ditch the hour-long meeting format and try to schedule 20 to 40 minute meetings. Now with less time in your hand than the usual, keep the discussion sharp and make every minute count.

3️⃣ Saying 'NO' is dope.

We’re in the habit of saying yes to every meeting we’re invited to. Often we show up out of fear of missing out. Simply tell the organizer the truth about how you feel about the meeting, and ask if your presence is absolutely necessary. Exercise your right to choice, wisely.

4️⃣ Be ruthless with your time.

Always make time for self. This includes scheduling blocks of uninterrupted time to focus on your own work, your life, your dreams! All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. So, Jack now plays and enjoys #MeTime #WorkLifeBalance.

I started learning pool and you wouldn't know how refreshing it feels, until you try. Remember, you do not have to do everything at once. Simply pick one idea and get after it.

Now the question is, do you have the courage to own your own calendar?

Well, I think you absolutely do!

Did I mention that we're having a chat tomorrow to discuss tackling meeting overload? Join us at 5pm tomorrow on the LinkedIn live session and let's crack some hacks together.