What is “Free Time” and Why Is It Important to a Coach?
From my previous blog post, you will have read that free time, or non-work time, is important to both you and to your client. No question.
But what exactly is free time? Free time is also known as “me” time, leisure time, quality time, fun time, spare time, non-work time, etc. The list goes on. But no matter which way you cut it, it’s an important, yet elusive, concept. If you agree, then think about what it is like for your clients.
Having just delivered a course about free time, I learned a couple important lessons. You can’t just go from full on working to enjoying any amount of free time without a few quirky little steps in between. Two things can happen on the journey from your current busy time until you arrive at “free time.” First, you will find yourself becoming way more productive. Doing the work you already had on your plate, in some cases less of it, but for sure in less time. In my program, we learned to get rid of unnecessary emails, paper and other time wasters. Then, we learned systems and strategies that made us way more efficient and productive.
So why is knowing about these in-between steps important to a coach? We are usually experiencing the same things as our clients are, and we know that our clients are overworked, overloaded, over-everything these days. Free time is not even on the radar. Not even a possibility. But on the off chance that they are aware of the need, and if they decide to work with a coach to get more, or any, free time, it’s good to know firsthand what might be on the road ahead.
Take a moment to collect your thoughts on free time. When was the last time you had free time—truly you time? Was it planned? Was it spontaneous? What were the challenges before the free time? After the free time?
These are some of the questions we might pose to a client looking for ways to have more balance between work and life—yes, the ever elusive, some say unattainable, work/life balance.
So what to do? Take a moment to think about what you would like to do with some free time. Read, take a walk, exercise, nap, take a trip, go to a spa. Now take action to clear up anything that might get in the way of that time. Look at what needs to be done so that when you get back from your free time, life has not piled up at your door begging to be taken care of.
Perhaps this is an easy exercise. Maybe just the thought of attempting it is giving you anxiety. Either way, put yourself in your clients’ shoes. If you do, you are well equipped to help them if they are looking to be more productive, looking for some personal time, or just want some non-work time.
But don’t forget the pitfalls. I like to say, “The universe abhors a vacuum,” and in this case, making time for oneself could easily be filled with the aforementioned quirks of work that they were not getting to or using the time for others instead of themselves.
Keep practicing your free time actions and you’ll be able to clearly and empathetically meet your clients’ needs.
Garry Schleifer, PCC
Garry Schleifer, PCC, is a seasoned businessman bringing over 30 years of experience to his coaching. His “walk the talk” credentials draw from experience as the visionary behind several multimillion-dollar corporations. He is the owner and publisher of choice, the magazine of professional coaching (an ICF Media Partner); a past president of the ICF Toronto Chapter and a former ICF Global Board vice president. Garry has also served on several community-based boards. He lives with his husband Patrick in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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