Finding time for work can seem impossible in a world of constant meetings. The cartoon sums it up: “All my real work fits in 5-minute meeting gaps.”
That’s where what I call, the G.A.P.S. method can aid in regaining productivity — one piece at a time.
G — Grab Micro-Moments
Break tasks into bite-sized pieces you can tackle between meetings. Even 5-minute windows add up over the day.
Need to draft a report? Write the title before one meeting, the intro before the next, and by day’s end, you’ll have a document that looks like it was written during coffee breaks — and it was!
A — Avoid Unnecessary Meetings
Be selective. If a meeting isn’t essential, skip it or suggest an email update instead.
You join a meeting about “streamlining workflows” only to spend 45 minutes debating font sizes. Next time? That one’s an email.
P — Protect Focus Time
Block off dedicated work sessions in your calendar. Treat them like VIP meetings — with yourself.
You book a slot titled “Strategic Initiatives” but it’s just you powering through emails and sneaking a snack. Still counts!
S — Switch to Asynchronous
Shift non-urgent discussions to emails or messaging platforms. Not every conversation needs a meeting.
Instead of setting up a call to ask “Who moved my stapler?”, you drop a quick message. Mystery solved. No meeting is needed.
Mind the G.A.P.S.
By Grabbing micro-moments, Avoiding unnecessary meetings, Protecting focus time, and Switching to asynchronous communication, you can turn chaotic schedules into productivity gold.
1. Identify meetings you can skip or condense.
2. Break big tasks into small, doable chunks.
3. Block off time for deep work — and guard it fiercely.
As Cal Newport puts it in “Deep Work”: “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” So, mind those G.A.P.S. — because that’s where your real work lives.
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