As a 1st year law student, I study a lot. Even without outside distractions, my mind welcomes every break it can come up with (“should I compare some prices online now? I’ll definitely forget later. It’s my aunt’s birthday – I really need to email her before I forget”). I have to come up with small mantras I can use throughout the day to stay focused, especially if what I’m doing is not my favorite thing. For example, “if I finish this writing assignment now, and it’s good, then I won’t have to create a whole new writing sample when I’ll be applying for jobs,” or, “if I get this done in the next 2 hours, and accomplish A, B, C within the next 3 days, I won’t even think of work on Saturday and will go hiking instead.”

What you say about will power is very true. If you get rid of the temptation then you don’t have to fight to get will power. So simple but so profoundly effective!

I have a lengthy and time-consuming morning routine — consisting of brushing teeth, glass of lemon juice, one or two pieces of fruit, walk, meditation, tea, shower and dress, and finally breakfast. After all this, I don’t feel much like getting down to work. But after reading this article, all that changed.

The next morning I went right to work and got more done in the next hour or two than I usually do all day! Beyond that, a momentum kicked in and I was in work mode all day, whereas usually I am in play mode, begrudging the work I had to do. Being so productive led to my feeling terrific all day. Do it first thing in the morning — what a simple and revolutionary idea! Thanks for the great article.

Tom