What’s your daily ritual?Coffee, Calendars, and Craft: How a Daily Ritual Became a Source of Joy (and ROI)What’s your daily ritual?
Let’s talk about coffee, not just as a beverage but as a practice + a pause, a ritual, a spark of curiosity that’s quietly changed my mornings, my mindset, and, yes… even my meetings.
For me, coffee isn’t just caffeine. It’s a connection to time, place, people, and myself.
Calendar-Controlled Coffee Time
It started with a straightforward shift: owning my calendar.
Once I stopped letting every free slot become an open invite and began blocking time for myself + focus blocks, deep work hours, and yes, coffee breaks + I found I could build space for joy.
That meant no more racing out the door with whatever gas station cup (okay, seriously, not my thing) I could grab. Now, I plan for my first pour. And there’s something magical about sitting down with a fresh cup and easing into the day on my terms.
Because let’s be real: managing your calendar well isn’t just about meetings. It’s about making space for what matters— and for me, that includes coffee.
The Espresso ROI: Why I Bought the Expensive Machine
I have at least four cups a day — why?
Because I genuinely enjoy it.
Because I’m curious about beans, technique, and temperature.
And because it’s become part of my workflow and wellness.
And yes, I made the jump to a serious espresso machine. Here’s the math:
Cost math: $5/cup × 4 cups/day = $20/day — $20/day × 5 days/week = $100/week
That’s $400/month — and $4,800/year if I kept buying from a café.
Even a high-end espresso setup pays for itself quickly. And the experience? Priceless. I get to experiment with beans from Colombia, Ethiopia, and Peru — all dialed into my taste.
Plus, let’s not underestimate the power of influence. A few teammates at Microsoft followed suit. One got into coffee art, and others started learning about single-origin beans and different grind profiles. It’s become a bit of a shared hobby, and I love that.
From Ritual to Hobby
Coffee didn’t just become a habit. It became a hobby.
I test new roasts, experiment with grind settings, and try different water ratios and pour techniques. I even travel with a hand grinder and French press — no hotel coffee. Just give me hot water, and I’ll bring a little taste of home to any corner of the world.
Some days, it’s not an espresso day. It’s a French press day. Or an iced Americano after dinner. Or affogato: espresso poured over vanilla ice cream, because why not?
With a few simple tools and a curious mindset, what began as a daily drink became much richer.
Coffee Is Good for You (Science Says So)
Let’s put the feel-good aside briefly; coffee’s good for you.
✅ Boosts brain function: Studies show improved memory, mood, and alertness
✅ Linked to longer lifespan: Coffee drinkers have lower risks of stroke, Parkinson’s, and certain cancers
✅ Enhances performance: A small cup before a workout boosts endurance and focus
✅ Supports metabolic health: Helps manage blood sugar and fat-burning
I sip slowly before workouts — not a crash, just a subtle rise. I use iced coffee as a mid-day cool-down. And yes, espresso after dinner is still a thing (in moderation).
The Bigger Lesson: Make Room for Joy
We need hobbies. We need small daily rituals that bring us back to ourselves.
For me, it started with coffee. For you, it might be baking, biking, gardening, gaming — whatever sparks joy.
But here’s the key: you won’t find time — you have to make it.
You have to defend your mornings. Protect your margins. Say no to say yes to things like a hand-ground pour-over at 6:30 a.m.
Because in a world of meetings, metrics, and messages — sometimes the best investment you can make is in a cup of coffee and the five quiet minutes that come with it.
What’s Brewing in Your World?
Do you have a favorite brew?
Did you buy your first grinder?
Espresso tips? French press fails?
Let’s talk coffee, calendars, and making time for what matters.
Because life is short, and coffee, well… it’s worth savoring.
#CoffeeTime #TimeManagement #WorkSmarter #FocusTime #EspressoLife #CalendarHacks #RitualsMatter #ProductivityTips #LifeAtMicrosoft #WellnessAtWork #JoyMatters #168Hours #MichaelEarls