We live in a culture that glorifies hustle. We measure our worth in checkmarks, and productivity gets treated like a badge of honor—even if we’re running on fumes. So yes, the idea of resting can feel a little counterintuitive.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

I don’t get things done in spite of resting—I get things done because I rest.

Ever find yourself avoiding a task for hours (or, let’s be honest, days), only to finally start it and realize it wasn’t that bad? Yeah, same. Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s our brain trying to dodge discomfort. And that’s where the 5-Minute Rule comes in.

A few years ago, I found myself staring at my never-ending to-do list at 11 PM, wondering where the day had gone. I had been busy all day—jumping from one task to the next, checking emails, handling last-minute requests, and telling myself I was being productive.

But somehow, nothing important actually got done.

I thought, “If only I had a few more hours in the day.”

Spoiler: more time wouldn’t have helped. Because the real problem wasn’t the number of hours I had. It was how I was using them.

And if you’ve ever felt the same way—like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around—keep reading.

For years, I believed that being productive meant doing more.

More tasks on my to-do list. More hours working. More hustle.

If I could just squeeze in a little more effort—wake up earlier, push through the exhaustion, multitask like a pro—then I’d finally feel on top of things, right?

Wrong.

I used to be really good at setting goals. You know the type: the big dreams, color-coded planners, and a vision board filled with everything I was going to achieve. But here's the thing—I wasn't as great at actually following through on them. Every year, month, and week, I'd set these grand plans, only to watch my motivation fizzle out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth of July.

Sound familiar?

Ever feel like there’s an endless list of small tasks hovering in the background—ones you keep postponing until they start weighing you down? This “invisible to-do list” isn’t just a collection of minor chores; it’s a hidden source of stress that chips away at your energy and clarity.

If you struggle to hone in on a morning routine, you are not alone, my friend. Let me walk you through some of my top suggestions for mastering your morning.

Discover how I use Notion to organize my life with this behind-the-scenes dashboard tour! Learn tips, tricks, and layouts for productivity, planning, and creativity. Perfect for Notion beginners and pros!

Discover how anti-goals—the powerful practice of defining what you don't want—can help you create a more intentional life in 2025. Learn this unconventional approach to goal-setting inspired by Charlie Munger.