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Why Productivity Advice Doesn’t Always Apply to People in Consulting (And That’s Okay)

Every time I watch a productivity video on YouTube, I notice a pattern: most creators showcase beautifully minimalist calendars with one or two meetings per day. They have spacious blocks for deep work, creative thinking, gym sessions, or even long walks to “reset the mind.”

I admire their discipline. But I also can’t help but think, What world are they living in?

Because in mine—the world of IT consulting—it’s not uncommon to have 5, 7, or even 10 meetings in a single day.

So… am I doing something wrong?

The Consulting Reality

In consulting, especially in tech, the environment moves fast. We work across multiple teams, clients, time zones, and technologies. Communication is part of the product we deliver.

Many of us work in complex implementations. That alone involves developers, architects, QA, UX designers, clients, and internal stakeholders—each with their own expectations and timelines.

And so, the calendar fills up. Quickly.

The Myth of “One-Meeting-a-Day” Productivity

A lot of productivity advice is based on individual contributor roles or solopreneur lifestyles. These creators often have full control over their schedules. They can say “no” freely. They can disappear for hours to do deep work.

That’s not always the case in consulting. We work in environments where alignment and collaboration are essential—and that often translates into meetings.

But Does That Mean We’re Doomed?

Not at all. But it does mean we have to define productivity differently.

For us, being productive might look like:

Facilitating clarity across stakeholders
Making a key decision during a call that unblocks an entire team
Managing to create 30 minutes of quiet focus amidst the chaos
Ending the day knowing your clients, teams, and timelines are aligned

And yes, some days will still feel overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean you failed—it just means the nature of your role requires flexibility and resilience.

What Helps Me

I try to limit myself to three meaningful meetings per day. I don’t always succeed, but this goal helps me stay aware of my energy.
I time-block focus time the night before—just like I would a client call.
I promote async updates when possible. Not everything needs a meeting.

Final Thought

If you’re in consulting and feel guilty for not living up to the productivity standards you see online—please stop. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just playing a different game.

The key is to find your own definition of productivity, based on the realities of your work, your energy, and your goals.

Because in the end, productivity isn’t about copying someone else’s routine—

it’s about creating a rhythm that works in your world.

The Formula That Changed How I Understand Happiness

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been searching for patterns—shortcuts to clarity, formulas that simplify life’s complexities. One day, after a long walk and a long list of thoughts, I landed on this:

Happiness = Freedom + (Relationships || Play || Help)

At first glance, it looks simple. But like all good formulas, it holds depth.

Let me walk you through what it means to me—and why it’s become a compass I return to again and again.

The Backstory: Something Was Missing

Originally, I hadn’t even considered freedom as part of the equation. I spent a lot of time exploring what made me happy—was it connection with others? Was it joy and spontaneity? Was it the sense of meaning I got from helping people? I experimented with all three: relationships, play, and service.

And yet, something always felt incomplete.

Some days, even surrounded by people I loved, I felt stuck. Other times, even when I was doing something fun or meaningful, there was an underlying tension. Eventually, I realized that what was missing wasn’t external—it was internal. It was freedom. The freedom to choose, to breathe, to be.

I vividly remember the moment the idea began to take shape. I was at an amusement park—surrounded by bright lights, laughter, and entertainment—but I felt profoundly sad. I couldn’t shake the thought: How can I be so unhappy in a place designed to spark joy? That moment triggered a wave of reflection.

This reflection came during a time in my life when I wasn’t feeling particularly happy. I was actively experimenting with ideas and habits to improve my well-being, looking for what truly made a difference. Once I added freedom to the formula, everything made more sense.

Freedom as the Foundation

I believe happiness begins with freedom. Without it, everything else feels constrained.

Freedom can take many forms:

Freedom from fear, expectations, or limitations.
Freedom to create, rest, express, and explore.

It’s not about being irresponsible. It’s about having autonomy over your time, your thoughts, and your choices. For me, this is the foundation of a meaningful life.

The Three Paths: Relationships, Play, or Help

After freedom, the second part of the formula offers three interchangeable—but equally powerful—paths to fulfillment:

1. Relationships

Some days, happiness looks like a deep conversation with someone who just gets you.

Aristotle called friendship one of the highest goods.

Modern psychology confirms it: real connection—love, friendship, community—is essential to our well-being.

2. Play

Other days, happiness comes from play: laughing, dancing, reading, hiking, getting into flow.

Play reminds me to be present. To be spontaneous. To be free from expectations.

It’s not just for children—it’s for the inner child that still lives in all of us.

Play also introduces what researchers call psychological richness. It’s through play that we often experience novelty, surprise, and perspective shifts—elements that bring depth and variety to life. Whether it’s trying something new, exploring a different idea, or immersing ourselves in creative flow, play expands our inner world. In this sense, my formula isn’t just about feeling good—it also invites us to live richly and curiously.

3. Help

And then there are the days when happiness shows up through purpose—when I’m able to help someone, even in a small way.

Helping reminds me I’m not alone. It makes life feel bigger than me.

As Viktor Frankl said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’”

Why “||”?

In programming, || means “or.” In this formula, it represents flexibility.

I don’t always need all three. Sometimes just one is enough to bring joy into my day.

One day it’s a walk with a friend. Another day it’s an hour of reading. And other times, it’s simply offering someone a kind word or support.

This “OR” gives me grace. It means I don’t have to chase every avenue of happiness all the time. I just need one.

Two Lenses: The Daily and the Lifelong

Over time, I’ve come to realize that this formula can be viewed through two powerful lenses—each offering a different kind of insight.

The original version:

Happiness = Freedom + (Relationships || Play || Help)

is what I turn to when I need a short-term boost. It’s a gentle reminder that if I’m feeling low or disconnected, I can do just one thing—reach out to a friend, play, or help someone—and it can shift my emotional state. It’s like a daily compass I can check in with.

Then there’s the more refined version:

Happiness = Freedom × (Relationships + Play + Help)

This one speaks to the long game. It reflects the idea that lasting well-being comes from integrating all three elements into a life built on freedom. When they all work together over time, happiness deepens. It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about building a good life.

Both versions have helped me in different ways. One meets me where I am, and the other helps me move toward where I want to be.

Final Thoughts

Life can feel overwhelming. But when I get lost in the noise, I return to this formula.

Happiness = Freedom + (Relationships || Play || Help)

It reminds me to ask:

Am I feeling free?

Am I connecting, playing, or serving in some way?

If the answer is no—then maybe I just need to return to the basics.

This formula doesn’t promise constant joy. But it does help me return to center.

How to Make Better Decisions: Practical Strategies and Tools That Help

Decisions shape our lives — from the tiny ones (like what to eat for dinner) to the ones that change our paths entirely (like moving to a new city, changing jobs, or starting a PhD… 😉). We all want to make better decisions, but how do we actually do it? Especially when things feel uncertain, fast-paced, or emotionally charged?

Over time, I’ve found that the key is intentionality. Making space to think clearly, aligning with what truly matters, and using simple tools can turn a decision from overwhelming to manageable. Here’s what has helped me — a mix of mindset shifts and practical frameworks.

Mindset Shifts for Better Decision-Making

1. Start With Clarity: What Really Matters to You?

Before diving into any decision, pause and ask:

What do I value most in this context?

Is it freedom, stability, learning, connection, growth, impact, health?

When you get clear on your values, decisions become easier — not because they’re less complex, but because your compass is working. You’re not choosing randomly. You’re aligning.

2. Think Beyond “Either/Or”

Sometimes we fall into binary thinking — should I stay or go? Say yes or no?

Instead, ask:

What other options am I not seeing?

Could I propose a middle ground? Delay the decision? Test it with a small experiment?

Creative solutions often emerge once we escape the trap of “A vs B.”

3. Give It Time (If You Can)

Your brain is processing even when you’re not thinking consciously. Sleeping on a decision — or simply stepping away for a walk — can reveal what really feels right. I’ve found that if something still feels off after 24–48 hours, there’s probably a reason.

Decision-Making Tools That Actually Help

Sometimes, a little structure goes a long way. These are the tools I turn to when my thoughts feel foggy or the stakes are high.

1. Pros and Cons List

Simple but powerful. Listing the positives and negatives of each option helps externalize your thought process.

Tip:

Make two lists per option — one for short-term pros/cons and one for long-term. This gives you a fuller picture and surfaces trade-offs that aren’t immediately obvious.

2. Decision Matrix (Pugh Matrix)

Ideal when you’re comparing three or more options across multiple criteria.

Steps:

List your options (A, B, C…)
Choose evaluation criteria (e.g., cost, time, alignment with goals, learning potential)
Score each option (e.g., 1–5)
Add up the scores

It brings clarity and structure — and can often highlight a clear frontrunner that wasn’t obvious at first.

3. Pre-Mortem Analysis

Before making a decision, imagine it failed. Ask:

“What could go wrong?”

This reversal exercise helps you anticipate potential risks and weaknesses ahead of time. It’s a great way to shift from blind optimism to thoughtful preparation — without falling into fear.

4. The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of results often come from 20% of the effort. When facing a decision, ask:

What’s the 20% of this decision that will give me 80% of the value?

Which option simplifies things while still creating meaningful progress?

This is especially useful when you’re overthinking or trying to “optimize” too much.

5. SWOT Matrix (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

Great for strategic decisions — especially when you need to weigh internal and external factors.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Higher salary	Far from family
More responsibilities	Unfamiliar culture

Opportunities	Threats
Expand your network	Risk of burnout
Learn something new	Cost of living

Once it’s visual, the decision becomes less abstract and more grounded.

6. Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent vs Important)

This tool helps you prioritize by distinguishing between urgency and importance.

	Urgent	Not Urgent
Important	Do First	Schedule It
Not Important	Delegate	Eliminate

Ask yourself:

Is this truly important, or just demanding attention?

Use this to cut through noise and focus on decisions that actually move the needle.

✨ Final Thoughts

Better decisions don’t come from knowing everything — they come from slowing down, tuning in, and having a few tools in your back pocket. Over time, decision-making becomes less about stress and more about trust — in your values, your thinking, and your ability to adapt.

What’s one decision you’ve made recently that taught you something?

Why Reviews Matter: From Agile Sprints to Personal Growth

One of the most powerful habits I’ve learned from my work in project management—and that I now apply to my personal life—is the art of the review.

In Agile methodologies, we have daily stand-ups to check in on progress, clear blockers, and keep everyone aligned. We also have weekly or biweekly sprint reviews to assess what’s been done, what needs improvement, and what we’ve learned. These moments of reflection are not just rituals; they are rhythm-setting tools that keep the project moving in the right direction.

But the concept of reviewing isn’t limited to teams or tech projects. It shows up in productivity systems like David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) too. GTD emphasizes regular review: checking your daily to-do list, updating your priorities, and setting aside time—ideally weekly—to reflect on open loops, completed tasks, and upcoming responsibilities. Without the review process, the whole system can break down.

This made me realize: whether it’s a client project or a personal goal, reviewing is how we stay on track. Without reviewing, we risk falling into the trap of being busy without being intentional.

The Power of One Weekly Goal

Lately, I’ve adopted the habit of setting a weekly goal—just one. I ask myself, “What would make this week feel like a win?” It could be something work-related, a step in my PhD research, or even something personal like organizing my closet or calling a friend I’ve been thinking about. That one goal becomes my anchor, and the review at the end of the week helps me see whether I honored it—or what got in the way if I didn’t.

And here’s something I’ve noticed: that weekly goal doesn’t have to be something big. In fact, sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from finally tackling something I’ve been procrastinating on. Often, I’ve found that the reason I was avoiding the task wasn’t laziness or poor time management—it was lack of clarity. I didn’t have all the necessary information, or the next step wasn’t clear enough. Once I take a moment to write down exactly what’s missing, the resistance starts to fade.

So now, part of my weekly review includes asking myself:

What am I avoiding?
Why?
Is it truly difficult, or just undefined?

This small habit has helped me turn stuck tasks into finished ones—and reduce the mental clutter that comes with carrying them around week after week.

The Reviews That Matter Most

Here are the types of reviews I’ve found most helpful, both in my professional and personal life:

Daily Review: A quick check-in to see what’s on your plate, adjust priorities, and clear any mental clutter. It helps you stay grounded and realistic about what can actually get done today. I often do this the night before, reviewing my calendar and time-blocking focus time so I’m set up for a productive morning.
Weekly Review: This is where the magic happens. It’s a deeper reflection on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs attention next. From this weekly review, three key outcomes emerge:
1. Define a Weekly Goal – Just one. Something meaningful that, if completed, would make the week feel like a win.
2. Clarify Next Actions – Break down lingering tasks or open loops into specific, doable steps. This reduces friction and makes execution easier.
3. Review Upcoming Meetings – Look at your schedule to mentally prepare for the week and ensure your time is aligned with your priorities. Sometimes this helps me reschedule, cancel, or better prepare for what’s ahead.

These reviews don’t have to be lengthy, but they can transform how you experience your week—turning chaos into clarity, and busyness into intentional progress.

A Final Reflection

In the end, whether it’s Agile, GTD, or just your own way of staying organized, the common thread is reflection. Reviews help us slow down, spot what’s working, and gently course-correct when it’s not. By setting one clear weekly goal, checking in with ourselves, and examining the reasons behind procrastination, we create a rhythm that supports real progress—both professionally and personally.

Whether you’re managing a product launch or managing your own life, reviews give you perspective. They help you adjust, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.

So here’s your invitation: What would make this week feel like a win?

I Plan My Days Like This — And It Keeps Me 10x More Focused (and Balanced)

When you’re balancing work, studies, leadership roles, and personal growth, managing your time well becomes essential. Over the years, I’ve tried different productivity tools, but one simple habit has made the biggest difference: using my calendar intentionally. Whether it’s for work or personal life, my calendar has become a key tool for designing days that are balanced, productive, and meaningful.

Why I Rely on My Calendar

There are many calendar apps available — and honestly, which one you use matters less than how you use it. What matters most is building a system where your calendar reflects your priorities, protects your focus, and helps you navigate the week with clarity.

For me, a good calendar setup is simple, accessible across all my devices, and flexible enough to adapt as my plans evolve. I don’t just use it for meetings — I use it as a framework for my entire day.

How I Organize My Calendar

One of the biggest changes I made was introducing a priority-based system. Instead of organizing by life areas like “work” or “personal,” I categorize events based on how important or time-sensitive they are.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how I use color-coding:

High Priority (critical meetings, deadlines, must-do activities, school classes, social time)
Low Priority (optional activities, flexible events, things that can be rescheduled if needed)
Tasks (work tasks, project steps, study assignments that I schedule time to complete)
Personal Well-Being (exercise, lunch, rest, self-care, planning)

Each evening, I take a few minutes to review my calendar for the next day. During this review, I timeblock dedicated spaces for productive focus time — those important windows where I can work on tasks without interruptions. This habit ensures that my most important work has protected space, rather than getting squeezed between meetings and distractions.

I also rely on recurring events to create structure: team meetings, classes, exercise sessions, and deep work blocks are already scheduled. This reduces decision fatigue and brings stability to my schedule.

Key Practices That Keep Me on Track

Time Blocking: I reserve specific blocks of time for meetings, deep work, learning, and personal activities — and adjust them each evening based on my priorities.
Buffer Time: I always leave small gaps between meetings and tasks to reset and prepare calmly for the next activity.
Three Meetings Rule: I try to limit myself to no more than three meetings a day to protect my focus and energy. Of course, this isn’t always possible — I’ve had seasons where I’ve sat through 35 meetings in a week. But I’ve learned that when I stick to just three, I end the day feeling more productive, balanced, and in control of my time.
Reminders and Alerts: I set up reminders not just for meetings, but for important work sessions too, helping me transition without feeling rushed.

Tips for Making Any Calendar Work for You

Update your calendar daily — treat it as a living document, not a static one.
Review your calendar the night before and timeblock focused work periods.
Schedule personal priorities alongside professional ones — both matter equally.
Leave open spaces — creativity and reflection need room too.
Stay flexible — plans change, and your calendar should be able to change with you.

Final Thoughts

Using my calendar intentionally has transformed the way I live and work. It’s not about filling every moment or working nonstop — it’s about giving the things that matter most the time and space they deserve.

Whatever calendar app you use, the real magic happens when you stop seeing it as a tool for appointments, and start using it as a tool for designing a better, more meaningful day.