I Stopped Taking Every Call—And My Work Got 10x Better

There’s a moment of decision every time you agree to a meeting. It may seem small—just a quick call or a time slot that’s free—but every "yes" you give is shaping the quality of your work, your energy, and your ability to lead.

Most founders think they’re being flexible or responsive when they agree to meet at any time that’s open on their calendar. But what they’re really doing is handing over control of their focus, creativity, and energy—without even realizing it.

I used to operate like that too. I’d jump from one call to another, one project to the next, constantly shifting gears and switching contexts, thinking I was being productive. The truth? I was burned out, distracted, and delivering “good enough” work when I knew I was capable of so much more.

Everything changed when I stopped trying to “fit it all in” and started taking ownership of my calendar.

The Moment Everything Shifted

Once I began working on one client project at a time—fully focused, fully present—the quality of my work skyrocketed. My clients felt more seen, heard, and understood. And I wasn’t just showing up—I was showing up ready.

That shift taught me a powerful truth: part of creating success is taking control of the things that set you up for it. Your calendar is not just a list of meetings. It’s a blueprint for your energy, your output, and your impact.

The Hidden Cost of an “Open” Calendar

When you say yes to any call that comes your way just because you have the time, here’s what you’re actually doing:

• Diluting your energy across too many contexts

• Losing momentum on high-priority work

• Stealing focus from your best thinking hours

• Setting yourself (and the other person) up for a distracted, less impactful conversation

The time cost is obvious. But the real cost? It’s the loss of quality. The creative spark that only comes when you're fully present. The confidence you feel when you’re prepared. The impact you could make if you weren’t scattered.

How to Take Back Control

If this hit a little too close to home, good. Awareness is your first step.

Here are a few mindset shifts and practical exercises to help you check in with your current scheduling habits and realign your calendar to support your best work.

1. Audit Your Calendar for Energy Leaks

• Look at your past 2 weeks. For every call or meeting, ask:

  • Was I fully present?

  • Did I have time to prepare?

  • Was I shifting gears right before or after that meeting?

• Highlight the meetings that drained you versus the ones where you felt sharp and effective.

2. Identify Your Prime Productivity Window

• When do you do your best thinking?

• Block that time off every day—treat it as sacred.

• Use it for deep work, not meetings.

3. Pre-Set Your Availability (and Stick to It)

• Decide in advance what days/times you’re available for meetings.

• Set up a scheduling tool that only allows calls during those windows.

• Say no—or “not this week”—when someone asks outside of those times.

4. Respect Your Clients by Respecting Yourself

• If you’re not in the right headspace for a meeting, reschedule.

• Communicate that your goal is to be fully present and make the most of your time together.

• You’re not being rigid—you’re setting the relationship up for success.

5. Practice the Power of a Thoughtful “Not Yet”

• Saying “Let’s push to next week so I can give this the attention it deserves” is a leadership move.

• It shows you care about outcomes—not just checking boxes.

Final Thought: You Deserve to Do Your Best Work

You didn’t build a business to become a slave to your calendar. You built it to create freedom, impact, and legacy.

So the next time a meeting request hits your inbox, ask yourself:

Is this aligned with the way I want to show up?

If not, it’s okay to pause, reset, and choose differently.

Your best work depends on it.