The definition of a good Buffer Day is a day focused in preparation for upcoming Focus Days. True “Buffer” Days are meant to be spent on delegations, putting out fires and working on the business so that when Focus Days come, we have the capabilities in place to truly focus. Without careful planning though, every day can quickly become a Buffer Day, ever creeping into our focus time.
Growth takes a backseat because the majority of time is spent cleaning up urgent messes rather than focusing generating new revenue. A friend of mine refers to this place in business as “Marshmallowland;” a place where time stands still and we operate in a chronic state of trying to move forward, but stuck in a sticky, grabby mess that keeps us immobilized and bouncing around endlessly in our business.