Plan Your Attack

"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." — James Clear, Atomic Habits

Failing to plan your day is one of the gravest mistakes you can make. Successful entrepreneurs meticulously outline their tasks for the day and even the week ahead.

Imagine two scenarios:

1. You awaken, determined to be productive. After getting ready, you ponder, "What should I start with?" You recall hearing about the benefits of morning meditation and dedicate 10 minutes to it. Then you think, "A bit of light exercise might be nice." After exercising, you feel tired, prompting an extended break that derails your entire day. The real issue isn't fatigue but the enticing comfort of your couch versus an ambiguous task that requires effort.
2. You took the time to plan your morning the night before. Your schedule prioritizes challenging tasks when your energy is at its peak and reserves easier tasks for when fatigue sets in. You allow yourself breaks without overindulging, as you're aware of your next steps and their time requirements. This structured approach transforms your morning into a seamless workflow, instilling a sense of accomplishment that carries you through the day.

How to Organize Your Day

You don’t need to micromanage every minute or create an unrealistic checklist. Here are some guiding principles:

Start with your most critical task in the morning. Delaying it only makes it more daunting. As Brian Tracy notes, "Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that is probably the worst thing that will happen to you all day long." — Eat That Frog!

Morning Essentials

We already established that the morning hours are vital; thus, you should avoid spending excessive time on a lengthy routine. Limit your morning rituals to 30 minutes before diving into work.

Food as a Barrier

Spending excessive time preparing breakfast can hinder your mental clarity. While skipping breakfast might leave you feeling hungry, your body will adjust over time. Instead, consider making bulletproof coffee—a satisfying option that not only curbs hunger but also provides the energy and focus necessary to tackle your most significant tasks.

Embrace Natural Light

While you shouldn’t literally stare at the sun, getting exposure to sunlight in the morning helps regulate your body's natural rhythms and wakefulness. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes of sunlight exposure on clear days, extending to 20 minutes on overcast ones.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water, preferably with added electrolytes, rehydrates your body after sleep and combats mid-morning fatigue. Aim for at least 8 ounces, or ideally a full glass.

Get Moving

A brief 5-minute yoga session, or simple exercises like squats and jumping jacks, can stimulate your circulation and awaken your muscles. This not only enhances your alertness but also boosts your metabolism, providing an extra burst of energy to kickstart your day.

My Morning Routine

As previously mentioned, I plan my day the night before and prepare my attire. Upon waking, I dress, use the bathroom, drink some water, and meditate for 10 minutes. I've found this "not fully awake" state to be ideal for meditation, and after a year of practice, I highly recommend it.

Following meditation, I step outside for sunlight exposure, using this time to visualize my day ahead. Then, I engage in work, whether studying or writing.

Identifying What Matters

In the pre-internet era, people operated with limited information. Today, however, we’re inundated with excessive "noise" as everyone vies for your attention with their latest methods for success.

"You lack focus because you don't meditate. You're unproductive because you're not using this specific time management strategy."

The reality is that what works for one individual may not suit another. It’s crucial to sift through this noise and pinpoint what genuinely resonates with you. Concentrate on activities that align with your personal goals and values, and dismiss the pressure to adopt every new trend.

Consider Mark Manson, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**,* who wrote his bestselling book at noon, fueled by a Snickers bar and a Red Bull. While this may not be optimal, neither is a 3-hour morning routine filled with unproductive tasks.

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