The best way to create your ideal life is to start by creating your ideal day.

To me, this is an undeniable fact.

When I began thinking about my ideal day, that was when my career and life really started to change.

I asked myself what I wished I could be doing every day, and as I looked around my office, I realized that this was not it.

I loved my work, but I was sitting at a desk, surrounded by people I respected but would not ordinarily choose to spend my time with. I spent my time making small talk. I was constantly distracted.

The office life might have been comfortable, but it wasn’t inspiring or conducive to my productivity. I was working on a schedule that didn’t align with how I wanted to work. On top of that, I didn’t enjoy being constantly supervised, feeling like I was always being watched and micromanaged. That environment just wasn’t for me.

Imagining my Ideal Day

So, I started to imagine what my ideal day would look like.

For me, my ideal day would start with my kids. I’d want to have breakfast with them, take them to school, and be there to pick them up afterwards. I’d want to attend their sports events and be present in their lives.

My ideal day would also include time to exercise because I love staying healthy, and fitness is a big priority for me.

It would also involve spending time with friends and loved ones. These relationships are a great joy in life, and they aren’t always guaranteed. I want to make the most of these years while I could.

I wanted to work in sprints, not marathons. I knew that I worked best in short blocks. Anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day and the task. I wanted to create a life where I could structure my work hours accordingly. Even if that meant spreading my total productive blocks over a wider range than the 9-5.

Creating Alignment

After envisioning my ideal day, I knew I needed to align my career and lifestyle to make it happen.

For me, the key was working remotely or in a hybrid model. This would give me the freedom to choose my hours within reason, work in focused sprints instead of marathon sessions, and prioritize my family, friends, and health.

Working remotely also meant cutting down on wasted time commuting—whether sitting in traffic or using public transport. I could spend that time doing something productive or meaningful.

I don’t mind working in the evenings—checking emails once everyone in the house is asleep feels perfectly fine to me. I’d much rather do that than binge-watch Netflix.

If I could spend some of my day doing things I love and reserve my quieter evening hours for work, that would feel ideal.

Also, I didn’t want to spend weekends bogged down with errands like grocery shopping, car maintenance, or paying bills. I wanted to handle those tasks during the week when it was more convenient.

I genuinely believe that designing your ideal day is the first step toward creating your ideal life.

The Ideal Day - Calendar

So once you have imagined your generalised ideal day, what should you do next?

Start by writing down the things that matter most to you. Create a mock calendar and block out time for:

• Your family (e.g., breakfast with your kids, school drop-offs).

• Exercise or hobbies.

• Social time with friends and loved ones.

• Deep work (decide what days and hours work best for you and your team).

• Shallow work (admin, emails, networking)

• Meetings (figure out which time blocks work best).

Some people might prefer working five days a week, while others may prefer three longer workdays. Some might choose to work fewer hours each day but spread over seven days. It all depends on you.

Conversations and Planning

Once you’ve envisioned your ideal day, it’s time to take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning, discussing, and negotiating a workday that aligns with your goals:

Step 1: Prepare a Detailed Proposal

Before starting any conversations, outline your plan:

1. Describe your ideal workday: Include specifics about your preferred hours, breaks, work location (remote, hybrid, or office), and other preferences.

2. Highlight benefits for the company: Explain how this arrangement will enhance your productivity, focus, and overall performance.

3. Address potential concerns: Anticipate what your employer might worry about (e.g., availability during meetings, collaboration) and prepare solutions.

4. Include measurable goals: Outline how you will track and demonstrate your effectiveness, such as through deliverables, deadlines, or key performance indicators (KPIs).

Step 2: Schedule a Meeting

1. Request a dedicated time: Schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor to discuss your proposal. Avoid bringing it up casually or during unrelated conversations.

2. Frame the conversation: Let them know you’re exploring ways to optimize your workday to maximize both personal productivity and team contributions.

Step 3: Present Your Plan Professionally

1. Start with the “why”: Explain your motivation for adjusting your schedule, such as improved productivity, better focus, or balancing professional and personal commitments.

2. Share data or examples: Cite research or personal experiences to show how flexible arrangements can enhance productivity and well-being.

3. Provide solutions to challenges: Address potential concerns upfront, such as availability for meetings, collaboration, or ensuring responsiveness.

Step 4: Propose a Trial Period

1. Suggest a test run: Offer to try the new schedule for a set period (e.g., 1-3 months) to evaluate its impact.

2. Define success metrics: Agree on clear, measurable criteria for success, such as project timelines, communication standards, or team feedback.

3. Request feedback: Ask for regular check-ins to discuss how the arrangement is working for both you and the organization.

Step 5: Communicate with Your Team

1. Inform colleagues: Let them know about your adjusted schedule and how it will benefit the team.

2. Set boundaries: Clearly outline your availability, preferred communication methods, and how urgent matters can be addressed.

3. Collaborate effectively: Use shared calendars, tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, and status updates to maintain transparency and ensure seamless teamwork.

Step 6: Prove Your Productivity

1. Exceed expectations: During the trial period, deliver high-quality work consistently and on time.

2. Track your performance: Keep a record of completed tasks, improved efficiency, and any feedback from colleagues or clients.

3. Report results: Share progress with your manager, showing how the new schedule has positively impacted your work and productivity.

Step 7: Refine and Negotiate Further

1. Review the trial period: Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.

2. Adjust as needed: Be open to tweaking your schedule based on feedback or personal experience.

3. Seek a permanent arrangement: If the trial period is successful, negotiate for a long-term implementation of your ideal workday.

Pro Tip

Stay flexible and solutions-oriented. Demonstrating your willingness to collaborate and adapt will increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

By approaching these conversations with preparation, professionalism, and clear evidence of your ability to excel, you’ll make a compelling case for creating your ideal workday.

The Bottom Line

I really, truly believe that when you work in a way that supports your ideal day and life, you’ll experience less stress, greater happiness, and improved productivity. You’ll have the time and energy to be present for the people and things you love, and you can produce even better results at work.

Designing your ideal life starts with designing your ideal day. Think about what that day looks like for you, and then build outward from there.