Vika & LarsNorth
LarsNorth
Hey Vika, I was looking at this old pocket watch and it made me think about how precise timing can keep everything in order. How do you structure your day to still make room for others?
Vika
I try to keep my day a bit flexible. I usually wake up early, have a quick walk or coffee, and jot down a few must‑do tasks. Then I leave some gaps between appointments or work blocks, so if someone needs a chat or help, I can drop in. I also set a timer for myself—maybe 45 minutes of focused work, then a 5‑minute break to stretch or just breathe. It’s a simple rhythm: plan a little, leave room for the unexpected, and always remember to pause and ask, “How can I help right now?” It keeps me connected without burning out.
LarsNorth
That’s a sensible rhythm. I keep everything in tight blocks—45 minutes, then a strict five. I rarely let anything break the pattern, so I feel the flow never stalls. How do you keep the gaps from becoming distractions?
Vika
I find the key is to give those little pauses a purpose. I’ll usually set a tiny goal for the gap—maybe reply to one text, stretch a bit, or just close my eyes and take a deep breath. If it feels like a distraction, I remind myself it’s actually a breather for my brain. Also, I don’t let the gap turn into a “just five minutes” thing; I plan a small, quick activity that’s not too demanding. That way, the pause feels intentional and it keeps the flow going instead of stopping it.
LarsNorth
I’ll say that’s almost exactly how I structure my own day. A 45‑minute block, a 5‑minute pause, then back on. I keep the breaks purposeful, never letting them slip into vague time‑wasting. It keeps the rhythm intact and the mind sharp. How do you decide what the “tiny goal” should be?
Vika
I pick something that feels useful but not demanding. Maybe a quick stretch, a short stretch or a “thank you” text, or just a mental note to breathe. It’s whatever helps me reset without pulling me away from the big tasks. If I feel restless, I ask myself, “What can I do in the next five minutes that gives me a tiny sense of accomplishment?” Then I pick that. It keeps the flow alive and gives me a gentle boost.
LarsNorth
Sounds efficient. I keep the little bursts to a strict script—one stretch, one breath, no more. If you’re unsure what to pick, I’d choose something that lines up with your big goal, like a quick email that moves the project forward. It keeps the rhythm, and you’re less likely to drift into distraction. How do you decide when a pause has lasted long enough?