Method Marketing founder Lucy Mowatt gives us the lowdown on a typical day in her life. From email management to tea breaks and TV choices, she explains it all.
6.50 AM: MEDITATE
Since starting my own business two years ago, I’ve meditated every day.
I try to make time first thing because it helps me wake up. It keeps sharp and focused throughout the morning. I normally have a glass of water and lemon on hand during this time, so I start to rehydrate.
7:00 AM: GET READY FOR WORK
Some mornings I work-out first thing, with a 5km jog or a yoga session, but most mornings, I get showered, have some breakfast and take a look at my to-do list.
I have emails switched off on my phone until 7.30, so I don’t start my day too early.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: EMAILS & ADMIN
I try to keep my email use at a sensible level, otherwise it starts taking over my life. I plough through as many as I can first thing, weeding out the junk and flagging the most important.
I then disable my email notifications. If they’re switched on, I get distracted by the pinging sound. When they’re switched off, I regain control of my attention and my inbox.
I also check in on social media to make sure there’s nothing I’ve missed overnight. I’ll comment on posts that I think are relevant and check out the trending topics. It’s important to make sure there’s nothing relevant to Method Marketing or my clients.
9:00 AM: CONTENT & COPYWRITING
I schedule client work for the week on a Sunday evening, so I know who I’m working for when. I tend to put writing tasks at the start of my day because this is when my creative juices are flowing.
I love getting my head down and into a writing project. Even the most mundane topics can be interesting when you find a new, unexplored angle.
10:00 AM: TEA TIME
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a bit of a tea fiend. While I dabble with herbal and green teas, there’s nothing better than a good strong cup of Yorkshire Tea with a splash of milk.
While the kettle boils, I let my mind wander. I often find that this is my best thinking time – I often find solutions to problems or writer’s block while I wait.
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM: WRITING & EDITING
I use the late morning, when I have a caffeine buzz, to finish writing and check my work.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: LUNCH TIME
I’ve found that my lunches are far more healthy when I work from home (especially during lockdown!). I tend to have something balanced. As a pescatarian, I’ll try to have something with plenty of protein, accompanied by lots of veg.
If I’m working from home, I try to take a walk around the block and stretch my legs. The fresh air and time away from the screen give me a boost for the afternoon.
If I have any time left, I’ll take a flick through a magazine. I love the printed page and can’t resist a free magazine. That said, I’m currently reading the latest issue of National Geographic Traveller. It’s bittersweet though because I can’t actually go anywhere right now!
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: EMAILS
If anything pressing has come in over the course of the morning, I take the time to reply immediately after lunch.
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: MEETINGS
I try to keep meetings and calls to the afternoon in order to protect peak writing time.
I’ll meet with clients, discuss marketing plans and send out proposals to prospects during this time.
4:00 PM: WRAPPING-UP
Towards the end of the day (depending on how the day is going!) I take time to wrap-up.
For several clients, I put together a status update showing what’s been completed and what’s outstanding.
This also allows me to plan for the following day. What still needs to be done? What are the priorities? Do I need to adjust my schedule?
4:30 PM: EMAILS (AGAIN)
I take 30 minutes at the end of the day to read and respond to any messages in my inbox.
Social media gets another look too, just to make sure there’s nothing I’ve missed.
5:00 PM: UNWIND & EAT
My fiancé and I catch up on our days while we prepare dinner. We’re both foodies, so love trying new recipes and cuisines.
At the minute we’re on a bit of Mexican kick, making lots of burritos, guacamole and refried beans.
After we’ve eaten, we tend to go for a walk around our local area. During the coronavirus, we’ve both missed our commutes. We might have only walked for 10 minutes at the end of the day, but it helped us switch off from work.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: WATCH TV
Time to unwind and watch TV. We’ve got a reputation for being binge-watchers – we’ll stick with one show until we’ve finished the season.
We’re currently rewatching The West Wing. It’s possibly my favourite TV show of all time. I remember watching it back in the 90s with my Dad and it’s really stayed with me. Yes, it can be schmaltzy, but I love it. The scripting is brilliant, the characters are complex and the storylines and confusing. What’s not to like?
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: READING
I’ve always been a big reader – even as a child. As a writer, editor and content marketer, it’s important for me to read as much as I can, as often as I can. It gives me ideas, improves my vocabulary and also helps me to unwind.
I’m currently reading Carlos Ruiz Rafón’s The Labyrinth of the Spirits. It’s the final book in the Cemetry of Forgotten Books series and it’s a real page-turner. I was saddened to hear of the author’s death last month. He had such a beautiful way with words – I can’t believe he won’t write any more novels.
10:00 PM: BEDTIME
I try to turn out the lights at 10 so I get a good night’s sleep. Yes, it’s early, but I really value my 40 winks!
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