This is how I get my mind in the right place for the day ahead. Whether it be a work assignment, a newsletter post or something else going on that day. This is what works for me.
I know, it's so difficult. There's also some benefit for thinking and planning ahead for things but it's knowing when to stop and come back into the room that's tricky.
I've tried a few techniques around mindfulness before that helps you "observe" your thoughts rather than let them consume them. You're encouraged to observer them floating past so you can move on with your day. Relatively successful.
This post came at a time when am struggling to remain consistent in what I do. My day is distracted and I find myself being unproductive for the most part of the day. It's really hard trying to overcome pleasures of the day. But what if I do the opposite of what I do everyday? Can it help counter bad habits?
I get you. The doom scrolling is where you can build defences against yourself. Deleting apps and building in time limits can really help. If you want to stop then that’s the first hurdle.
So true, Martin, about a morning routine. It helps for me b/c I know what's to be done w/out thinking too much. Once I meditate, do some home exercises and shower, I'm out of the house and onto the next round--walking and gym. But in between all that I scroll through my SubS -of course- and Notes!
Definitely need to get in your Substack time there somewhere.
Meditation is great too. I’ve not get built a habit around that but I do have a great mindfulness technique that I’m going to post about next week. It is magical for getting the creative juices flowing.
As you note, we best live in the “now.” This notion goes back to the Stoics who correctly illustrated that now, this very moment, is all the matters.
Our dependences on the future or the past brings us anxiety, both for what has happened before and what could happen later. Both are outside our control
Great tips for morning routines, Martin. I want to introduce many routines in the morning, but I have never been successful. Your articles were encouraging me. I will leave my phone downstairs!!
As always, great reminders.
Great tips here Martin. The first one about living today, not tomorrow or yesterday, would probably be the one I struggle with the most.
I know, it's so difficult. There's also some benefit for thinking and planning ahead for things but it's knowing when to stop and come back into the room that's tricky.
I've tried a few techniques around mindfulness before that helps you "observe" your thoughts rather than let them consume them. You're encouraged to observer them floating past so you can move on with your day. Relatively successful.
I've used that tool as well. Another one I like is reminding myself it's all eddies in the stream and the river will keep flowing.
This post came at a time when am struggling to remain consistent in what I do. My day is distracted and I find myself being unproductive for the most part of the day. It's really hard trying to overcome pleasures of the day. But what if I do the opposite of what I do everyday? Can it help counter bad habits?
Hi Edwin. Can we deconstruct this a little.
What do you mean by overcome pleasures of the day?
I mean activities that are distractions and doesn't add to my overall productivity like procrastination and doom scrolling
I get you. The doom scrolling is where you can build defences against yourself. Deleting apps and building in time limits can really help. If you want to stop then that’s the first hurdle.
I will get out apps that I don't need and other activities. I know it's add but I ll
So true, Martin, about a morning routine. It helps for me b/c I know what's to be done w/out thinking too much. Once I meditate, do some home exercises and shower, I'm out of the house and onto the next round--walking and gym. But in between all that I scroll through my SubS -of course- and Notes!
Definitely need to get in your Substack time there somewhere.
Meditation is great too. I’ve not get built a habit around that but I do have a great mindfulness technique that I’m going to post about next week. It is magical for getting the creative juices flowing.
I look forward to it!!
As you note, we best live in the “now.” This notion goes back to the Stoics who correctly illustrated that now, this very moment, is all the matters.
Our dependences on the future or the past brings us anxiety, both for what has happened before and what could happen later. Both are outside our control
I do enjoy reading about the stoics. They do seem very sensible. Control the controllables is such a simple one but very difficult to stick to!
Very difficult indeed.
'It’s the days that ladder up to creating a good life but we can only deal with one day at a time.'
Wisely said, Martin. This is an important reminder for us to take each day seriously, truly value it, and not take it for granted.
Exactly, these are the building blocks. We can’t take action in the past or the future. Only now.
Great tips for morning routines, Martin. I want to introduce many routines in the morning, but I have never been successful. Your articles were encouraging me. I will leave my phone downstairs!!