What I Learned Today: Google Calendar is Going to Save The World

Okay, okay.

So it won't save the world, but I need a little win because, as you well know, the calendar year 2025 has been a real-time dumpster fire.

Now, on to more practical things: Google Calendar.

If you're unfamiliar with this popular technology, Google Calendar has been making lives simpler (or, depending on who you ask, more complicated) for well over a decade. Launched in beta on April 13, 2006, by Google, this calendaring system gained widespread recognition after its introduction to the general public's desktops and mobile devices in the summer of 2009.

Yes, indeed – Google Calendar is legit af, im(humble)o.

But its significance in my professional life didn't really come into play until I soft-launched my freelance business.

"I'll Pencil You In."

Several weeks after the soft launch of The Coding Copywriter – my freelance business that could – I discovered that my time management skills were nowhere near the level required to run a small business.

Mind you, I don't consider myself lazy or lacking motivation. I get things done "in due time" as my lovely finacé says when describing approaches to our respective to-do lists. And while I'm satisfied with how and when I get things done, I feel there is room for improvement.

This sentiment is especially key now that I have more "free time" than I know what to do with, thanks in part to the global shutdown, also known as the Coronavirus pandemic.

So, with all this free time and so much to do, and the days getting longer somehow 🤷🏾‍♀️, what's a freelance web development and web marketing business owner to do?

Get Better At Calendaring, That's What!

According to the super cool YouTuber Tasia Custode, there are some majorly rad Google Calendar best practices and features available for us to use, including keyboard shortcuts and recovering trashed events.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/EKx0IwS1ZcI

The feature I was most surprised by was the calendar view's "Schedule " option – I never knew that existed. Thanks, Tasia!

Time Management Isn't Scary – Time Blocking Is 🙀

One of the things I hate most is looking at my schedule and seeing huge blocks of time colored in my day --- blech.

To feel less pressured by my schedule, I use a self-designed, quick-touch method where I schedule 15- to 30-minute blocks dedicated to my clients' projects, professional development (which is imperative for us freelancers), and even dinner and quality time with loved ones.

If I run over the allotted time, that's okay! I'd appreciate it if you could touch on the task at hand and give it my full, undivided attention. As long as it doesn't transition into another unrelated task, I'm good to go!

The reason I do this is because I'm intimidated by massive calendar blocks. Visually, it's like saying, "You must do this or you will fail at everything in life. You're welcome."

OUCH.

Don't get me wrong; I know they work for some people.

They're simply a significant deterrent for me to get things done.

Actual footage of all my calendar blocks telling me my entire day is gone with the sands of time 😩

Are There Better Ways To #GetYourLife?

Admittedly, my newly adopted quick-touch method is still being refined, so I can always have time to learn the latest and greatest coding and programming methodologies, and eat nutritious foods, because sometimes I'm working for long stretches and totally forget to eat.

While I continue to refine my calendaring system, I'll be on the lookout for effective time management tricks that work for busy professionals, small business owners, and freelancers.

Thanks for reading. Until next time, Happy Calendaring!