007: Build a Startup Routine
Welcome to Toolbox Tips, Effective’s weekly newsletter aimed at putting more tools in your productivity toolbox.
Getting started with work can be troublesome. And to top it off, I can make it harder on myself by haphazardly approaching my workday.
Our brains like routines because we know what we can expect. Think of Pavlov’s dog — ring a bell, get a treat, and do this over and over again. Pretty soon the dog starts salivating when the bell rings because he’s been conditioned to expect a treat soon after.
You can train yourself, too, to do this (work, not drool, mind you). The best way is to follow a reasonable startup routine when you start your workday.
Every day, do the same small set of tasks before you begin your work. Make sure these are tasks you only do at the start of your day, like planning the day’s work, reviewing your calendar, or journaling for a few minutes.
If you run this startup routine every day, pretty soon your brain will get the hang of it and say, “Oh, okay, some tasty work is coming our way soon 🤤”
It’s just one little tip to help overcome the inertia inherently working against what you aim to do for the day.
ACT: Pick 1-3 actions to do each day before you work for a week.
Notent Notables
Welcome this week to Kapil, Severine, Antonio, jj, Jeff, and Raf! Glad to have you as members.
In short time, Obsidian Made Simple version 2 will be out. To celebrate, I made one of the most valuable videos from a new module available for free to members.
Check it out 👇
Justin DiRose
For Your Enjoyment
We’re actually going to review that remote work article this week…
Here to Help
I can help you in three ways on your productivity journey when you’re ready:
- Have a question about your system or productivity concept and need help? Ask it here.
- Wanting to level up your Obsidian skills? Check out Obsidian Made Simple.
- Looking to streamline your PKM workflow? Get a 60 day free trial of Readwise.
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