Scheduling for Curiosity: Making Space for Play in Your Calendar
Why your calendar should include space for exploration, not just productivity—and how to actually build it in.
We tend to think of calendars as rigid, serious tools—blocks of time devoted to productivity, meetings, and deadlines. But your calendar is more than a logistics board; it’s a reflection of your spirit. If it’s packed with tasks but leaves no room for curiosity, exploration, or joy, you may be missing one of the most powerful forms of time management: play.
Why Curiosity Matters for Time Management
When we only schedule tasks that feel urgent or obligatory, we run the risk of burnout. Curiosity—following a spark of interest just for the sake of learning or experiencing something new—acts as fuel. It refreshes your perspective, keeps your creativity alive, and gives you energy to return to your obligations with renewed focus. Time management isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about creating a rhythm that sustains you.
Shifting From Productivity-Only to Spirit-Inclusive Calendaring
Most people build their schedule around deadlines, not desires. But what if, instead, you treated your calendar like a canvas? Alongside the meetings and responsibilities, you could add blocks that are deliberately unstructured, dedicated to exploration. This doesn’t mean “wasting time.” It means choosing to value curiosity as much as you value efficiency.
Practical Ways to Schedule Curiosity
Here are a few ways you can invite play into your week:
Curiosity Hour: Block one hour each week where you get to follow whatever sparks your interest—reading a new article, sketching, learning a skill, or exploring a neighborhood.
Learning Lunches: Once a week, dedicate your lunch break to listening to a podcast, watching a talk, or trying a new recipe.
Micro-Adventures: Schedule 15 minutes daily for something whimsical—journaling, doodling, people-watching at a café, or browsing a bookstore shelf.
Creative Fridays: If your schedule allows, set aside the last block of the week for tinkering with projects that don’t have a deadline attached.
The key is consistency. When curiosity has a recurring home in your calendar, it becomes part of your routine—not an afterthought.
Curiosity and the Enneagram
One question I often hear from clients I am coaching is: “How do I know if I’m overcommitting to curiosity or under-prioritizing it?” The answer looks different depending on your Enneagram type. Here are some signs to watch for:
Type One
Overcommitting: Curiosity feels like another rigid obligation—you research endlessly but lose the joy.
Under-prioritizing: You rarely give yourself permission to explore unless it feels perfectly productive.
Type Two
Overcommitting: Your curiosity always centers on other people’s interests rather than your own.
Under-prioritizing: You skip exploration altogether because you’re busy supporting others.
Type Three
Overcommitting: Curiosity becomes a performance project—something you can share, post, or turn into an achievement.
Under-prioritizing: You push curiosity aside for tasks that prove your productivity or success.
Type Four
Overcommitting: You spend endless hours exploring feelings or aesthetics without grounding.
Under-prioritizing: You stop giving yourself space for creative exploration when you feel uninspired or misunderstood.
Type Five
Overcommitting: You consume knowledge endlessly but never act on it.
Under-prioritizing: You hold back from exploring because you fear being drained of energy.
Type Six
Overcommitting: Curiosity time turns into anxious research—spiraling through “what ifs” instead of play.
Under-prioritizing: Fear of uncertainty keeps you from trying anything new.
Type Seven
Overcommitting: You jump into too many projects, leaving most unfinished.
Under-prioritizing: Your schedule becomes so heavy with obligations that your adventurous side feels trapped.
Type Eight
Overcommitting: Curiosity shows up as constant action—diving into new challenges without slowing down.
Under-prioritizing: You deny yourself softer, lighter play because it feels unnecessary or vulnerable.
Type Nine
Overcommitting: Curiosity turns into avoidance—you get lost in leisure instead of moving forward.
Under-prioritizing: You default to others’ schedules and forget to protect your own space for exploration.
✨ As you look at your own week, ask yourself: Does my curiosity feel energizing and balanced, or does it slip into avoidance or neglect? If you’re willing, share your answer in the comments. I would love to hear how you are navigating this in your own schedule.
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