Carolina de Arriba

Here's what I recommend.

Step number one, block it in your calendar.

Mark it as busy.

This is not negotiable.

Don't leave it open or hope people respect your time.

Block it proactively.

Mark it busy or focus time or deep work or whatever label works for you.

Step number two, have a conversation with your manager proactively.

Don't wait for them to schedule over it and then react.

Go ahead.

And book 15 minutes or in your next one-on-one and explain.

Say something like, I've been thinking about how I work best and where I create the most value.

I realize that the most effective when I have uninterrupted blocks of time for deep strategic work.

So I'm going to start protecting whatever days, whatever times each week.

for that kind of focus work.

If you need me during that time for something truly urgent, let me know, I will figure it out.

But generally, I'm going to be unavailable during those blocks of time.

Now, here's the key.

Say it with confidence, not apologetically.

You're not asking for permission.