The MOT for Your Mind: Why You Need a Quarterly Buffer Week to Recharge and Refocus

As I was walking the dogs with Annie at 06:30 this morning, I was pondering that my car goes in for an MOT periodically, to prove that it is roadworthy (and gets serviced) and so does a train, boat or plane - but how often do we pull ourselves in for an MOT and a service?

I organise my calendar so that I can enjoy a Buffer Week at least once a quarter.

For me, that is defined as a week with no travel, with a minimum of client meetings and with plenty of time to think and plan.

Today (Monday) no client calls - just me at my desk all day, then 4 consecutive mornings at my desk, with some Zoom calls in the afternoon and my weekly client webinar on Tuesday evening.

Slightly later alarm calls, a lot less pressure and no grappling with motorways, stations, airports, conference centres or hotels.

Home cooking!

It genuinely does feel like a holiday of sorts, even though I'll be putting in 5 good shifts this week, as well as completing the final countdown to a half-marathon on Sunday.

Behind me on my office door, I have printed the list of tasks I want to complete this week - all of which are working ON the business.

Today I will spend the most of my time just generally catching up on emails and tasks carried over from last week - then tomorrow morning I'll start in earnest on the buffer week tasks.

Perhaps you can recognise how much I'm anticipating this - out of the hamster wheel for a few days.

Question - do you book yourself a quarterly buffer week (and adjust your cash flow forecasts so that you can afford to?).