Morning Email Processing
Check and process emails immediately upon waking to clear mental clutter. Messages are either deleted or flagged for later response, reducing inbox anxiety.
Dedicated Writing Space
Use a separate physical workspace (like a backyard Tiny House) to minimize distractions and enhance focus during writing sessions.
Daily Writing Ritual
Write for 15 minutes every morning to document observations, ideas, and inspirations from the previous day. This builds consistency and creativity.
Non-Judgmental Doodling
Include simple sketches in daily journals without evaluating artistic quality to stimulate creativity and reduce self-criticism.
Creative Idea List
Maintain a running list of half-formed ideas (blog topics, speech fragments) in the back of a notebook for future exploration.
Structured Journaling Framework
Divide journal entries into four sections: Did, Saw, Heard, Draw. Use bullet points for brevity and focus.
Afternoon Mindful Walks
Take daily walks with a dog in natural settings to create a 'pocket of quiet' for mental reset and reflection.
Travel Snack Preparation
Pack healthy snacks like nuts and granola bars when traveling to avoid reliance on subpar airport food.
Sleep Quality Tracking
Use apps like Sleep Cycle to analyze sleep patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.
Routine Flexibility
Adapt habits to circumstances (e.g., injury or travel) without self-judgment, focusing on progress over perfection.
Delayed Breakfast Routine
Eat breakfast foods at lunchtime to simplify mornings and prioritize workflow during peak productivity hours.
Phone Notification Delay
Avoid checking phones until fully awake and upright to prevent morning procrastination.
Afternoon Workout Commitment
Schedule exercise later in the day when energy levels are higher and focus is less critical.
Email Triage System
Immediately delete or defer emails during initial processing to maintain inbox zero principles.
Travel Schedule Optimization
Book flights to align with existing morning routines, minimizing disruption to productivity.
Hydration Emphasis
Drink ample water daily, especially during travel, to maintain physical and mental performance.
Bedtime Reading Ritual
Read fiction or nonfiction before sleep to unwind, often bargaining for 'one more chapter.'
Pre-Brewed Coffee Setup
Prepare coffee makers the night before to automate morning caffeine access.
Snooze Button Acceptance
Embrace snooze alarms without guilt to ease into wakefulness gradually.
Gratitude Reflection
Consciously acknowledge others' goodness during mornings to counterbalance initial crankiness.