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?).
There is a lot to be said for tools that let people start before asking for a commitment. Pokémon Team Builder was useful when I wanted to think through team roles without relying on scattered notes and first see whether the idea suited me.
The idea of scheduling a quarterly buffer week is a refreshing way to think about productivity and avoiding burnout. Building intentional time to step back, review priorities, and recharge can make it easier to return with a clearer perspective instead of constantly pushing through. A little unstructured downtime can help too, whether that means relaxing with a book or playing Vice City online for a nostalgic break.
10.0.0.1 is a helpful Piso WiFi gateway for managing internet sessions. Your mini cupcake showcase looks delicious, with creative flavors and beautiful presentation perfect for every Tampa celebration.
Just as a vehicle requires inspection to stay roadworthy, your mind deserves structured care and attention, and building a quarterly Buffer Week into your calendar is a practical, compassionate way to prevent burnout, restore clarity, and create intentional space for reflection, while simple, low-pressure breaks like playing Subway Surfers City can gently calm your thoughts without demanding too much energy.