When I wake up in the morning, my first reflex is always to jump out of bed and get right to work. My brain works best between the hours of 4 am - 8 am. This is when I get most of my productive work done.
But, as of the last year or so, I’ve noticed that this is especially true if I start my day with a ritual. Before I jump on the computer, I read. Not blogs and not social media, but a book. An actual booked filled with long form coherent thoughts and arguments. After I read, I write. I write a page in my notebook and I let my mind empty itself out on the blank page.
The process allows my thoughts to organize and cleanse. It sharpens the ax of my mind.
The difference between my mental clarity on days when I perform my ritual and when I don’t is so drastic that I almost consider it empirical evidence. Does anyone know if there is a psychological or physiological term for “priming” your brain before you dive into work?
After 45 minutes of reading and writing I am in a much better position to get to work.
I am making the most of my time because my mind is running with clarity and efficiency.
It really works.