For over a year, I’ve ended my workday by:
Clearing my desk
Writing a small TODO item on a bright 3x5 index card
Placing this card on my keyboard so I can’t miss it.
Why?
To overcome the resistance of getting the workday started.
Steven Kotler says most people waste 2-10 minutes “dithering” between tasks. They seem to be gathering up the willpower to jump in and get the next thing done.
I used to be that way when I showed up at my office.
I’d plunk down, open my laptop, and immediately waste 5-10 minutes scrolling through Twitter before deciding what to work on first and getting to it.
But now, I leave myself an index card; a momentum matchstick.
I sit down, see the TODO I can knock out in 1 minute, and jump right in.
Why The Matchstick Metaphor?
A matchstick is a single strike that can ignite a fire.
Momentum and flow work the same way.
Attention drives focus.
Focus drives flow.
Just finishing one task can lead to the next, and then the next.
I love stretching a good metaphor. Let’s go nuts here.
You strike a momentum matchstick.
To generate a fire of flow.
To burn through your TODO list.
You may groan, but you will remember this (you’re welcome). And enjoy an AI visual:
Personal Results
Lately, I’ve found myself immediately dropping into a 1-2 hour session, knocking out 5-20 things off my TODO list.
I encourage you to give it a try.
Leave yourself the smallest possible action.
Start it as soon as you see it.
Finish and repeat.
Don’t forget to leave yourself another card for the next day.