Note to Self nº10
Note to Self nº10
Win the night for the morning
There is the classic idea that to win tomorrow, you need to plan tonight.
It tells us something simple yet profound: It's definitely easier to show up for work when you have significantly reduced friction and the need for willpower. It's less stumbling around, trying to figure out what to do next, and needing less of a nudge to get moving.
John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory explains how organizing our tasks in advance reduces the mental load on our working memory. This allows for clearer thinking and more efficient problem-solving. Imagine jotting down your to-dos for the next day and how it clears the fog, helping you zero in on what's crucial. Adele Diamond's work goes further, showing that planning optimizes your brain functions, leading to better memory and decision-making.
Simply put, the act of reviewing today or planning tomorrow ahead of time has a range of benefits:
Clarity and Focus: Wake up with a plan, not a question mark.
Stress Reduction: Skip the morning panic over what needs to be done.
Increased Productivity: Say 'No' to last-minute distractions so you can focus on what moves you forward.
Enhanced Creativity: A cluttered mind is rarely a creative one.
Better Time Management: Ensure that both your work and personal life get the attention they deserve, especially if you're in a relationship or have young children. ❤️
Quiet evenings provide the perfect setting for this ritual, whether cozy in bed with a cup of tea, on the back porch, or at your desk once everyone is asleep—the latter works best for me.
If, like me, you are in the middle of reinforcing a habit or ritual in your life, remember to be patient with yourself when becoming someone you haven't been before. It's not about adhering to a rigid schedule but instead seizing the opportunity to reflect on the day's events and set a positive tone for the following day.
NOTE TO SELF
Begin with gratitude: Appreciate today's wins before planning tomorrow.
Keep it simple: Start with one or two priorities for the next day.
Be flexible: Plans change, and that's okay. Adjust as needed.
Reflect honestly: Quickly review the day's highs and lows.
Maintain Balance: Keep an eye on both personal and professional goals.
Enforce Boundaries: There is no shame in downtime.
Share Your Plans: Where possible, inform others to set clear expectations.
Peace and Love. ✌️❤️
Win the night for the morning
There is the classic idea that to win tomorrow, you need to plan tonight.
It tells us something simple yet profound: It's definitely easier to show up for work when you have significantly reduced friction and the need for willpower. It's less stumbling around, trying to figure out what to do next, and needing less of a nudge to get moving.
John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory explains how organizing our tasks in advance reduces the mental load on our working memory. This allows for clearer thinking and more efficient problem-solving. Imagine jotting down your to-dos for the next day and how it clears the fog, helping you zero in on what's crucial. Adele Diamond's work goes further, showing that planning optimizes your brain functions, leading to better memory and decision-making.
Simply put, the act of reviewing today or planning tomorrow ahead of time has a range of benefits:
Clarity and Focus: Wake up with a plan, not a question mark.
Stress Reduction: Skip the morning panic over what needs to be done.
Increased Productivity: Say 'No' to last-minute distractions so you can focus on what moves you forward.
Enhanced Creativity: A cluttered mind is rarely a creative one.
Better Time Management: Ensure that both your work and personal life get the attention they deserve, especially if you're in a relationship or have young children. ❤️
Quiet evenings provide the perfect setting for this ritual, whether cozy in bed with a cup of tea, on the back porch, or at your desk once everyone is asleep—the latter works best for me.
If, like me, you are in the middle of reinforcing a habit or ritual in your life, remember to be patient with yourself when becoming someone you haven't been before. It's not about adhering to a rigid schedule but instead seizing the opportunity to reflect on the day's events and set a positive tone for the following day.
NOTE TO SELF
Begin with gratitude: Appreciate today's wins before planning tomorrow.
Keep it simple: Start with one or two priorities for the next day.
Be flexible: Plans change, and that's okay. Adjust as needed.
Reflect honestly: Quickly review the day's highs and lows.
Maintain Balance: Keep an eye on both personal and professional goals.
Enforce Boundaries: There is no shame in downtime.
Share Your Plans: Where possible, inform others to set clear expectations.
Peace and Love. ✌️❤️
A design mentor in your inbox
A design mentor in your inbox
A design mentor in your inbox
Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.
Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.
Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.