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Warning: The 5 minute morning email check is a trap
Honestly, I used to start every day by opening my email right after my alarm. Ngl, I thought it was being proactive. For about 3 months, my whole morning mood was set by whatever was in that inbox. Tbh, I switched to doing 15 minutes of planning my own priorities first, before I even look at a message. The difference is huge. My first two hours are now for my actual important work, not just reacting. Has anyone else found a specific routine that stops the day from controlling you right away?
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maxt952mo ago
My old boss drilled into us that checking email first was the mark of a serious professional (which, looking back, seems pretty backwards). For years I defended that habit, convinced it was the only way to stay on top of things. Letting my own goals wait until after I'd handled everyone else's requests just left my best work for when I was already tired. Shifting that first hour to my own list completely flipped the script, and now I can't imagine starting any other way.
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elliot9502mo ago
Totally get this. Switched to writing three things I want to do that day in a notebook before I even unlock my phone. That first hour used to vanish into other people's problems, now it's mine. The inbox feels way less urgent once your own plan is already set.
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