The First Hour of Your Day

To start your day right, avoid using your phone during the initial hour after waking up. In Jay Shetty’s book, Think Like a Monk, he illustrates how checking your phone first thing is akin to letting a crowd of strangers into your bedroom before you’ve even gotten out of bed. This insight struck a chord with me because it mirrors a habit I once had.

Engaging with your phone first thing can hinder your ability to set intentions for the day, often leading to stress and anxiety. Imagine waking to an email from a colleague requesting something urgent; this immediate demand can divert your focus from what you actually want to accomplish that day.

Instead, grant yourself that crucial first hour to gather your thoughts. This moment of quiet not only conserves mental energy but also lays a strong foundation for the rest of your day.

To prevent distractions, set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode before sleeping. Allow yourself to enjoy that first hour free from notifications, and only check them afterward.

Concentrating on One Task at a Time

Another effective strategy for preserving mental energy is to tackle your tasks methodically. Begin by jotting down a list of your goals for the day, then approach each item one at a time, starting with the highest priority.

It's easy to complicate this process by having multiple screens open. Whether it’s your phone, laptop, or tablet, limit yourself to one screen at a time. Personally, I find this challenging, especially with ADD. It’s all too easy to start a task and then be sidetracked by notifications, which can snowball into a torrent of distractions that detract from your focus.

To enhance your productivity, turn on Do Not Disturb or place your phone in another room. By concentrating on each task individually, you'll complete them more thoroughly and feel a sense of accomplishment that boosts your momentum.

Establishing Personal Boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for managing mental energy, yet many of us overlook this practice. Without clear limits, we may find ourselves overwhelmed by social obligations that drain our energy and time.

In my younger years, I often prioritized social gatherings over my personal goals, not realizing the toll it was taking on my mental capacity. While socializing can be beneficial, it’s essential to understand your limits and when to say no.

For instance, if you have lunch plans with friends but also aim to write three articles for Medium that week, it’s vital to draw the line. When your friends invite you to play basketball after lunch, you might say, "Thanks for the invite, but I might not finish my work in time. I’ll let you know."

Additionally, it’s important to manage your own leisure time. If you decide to play video games for only an hour as a reward for completing your work, stick to it. Allowing yourself just a few extra minutes can quickly spiral into an extended gaming session that distracts you from your goals.

By cultivating self-awareness about your energy levels and priorities, you can better navigate how much effort to invest in various activities.

More Insights From Me:

• Why Your Goals Seem So Far Away
• 4 Reasons I Stopped Taking Adderall for Good
• Bob Odenkirk’s Comment That Inspired Me Profoundly

Discover how to effectively conserve mental energy and willpower with actionable tips in this insightful video.

Explore 15 simple strategies to boost your mental energy and enhance your productivity in this engaging video.