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.
This is awesome Rick and thank you!