How I start my day

Image of Brian Kight
Brian Kight

I usually begin my days the same way. After I grab a cup of hot black coffee and before the day’s events start to unfold, I sit down with a pen and blank sheet of paper.

I write a few things to myself. The act of thinking, writing with my hands (not typing), and seeing my words on paper outside my head gives them a stronger quality than only trying to remember them.

One thing I write to myself each morning is two lists of three actions each. The first is a list of three DON’T DOs. I write a headline of “Don’t . . .” and fill in three actions I will absolutely not do that day. These are non-negotiable for me. I pre-make the decision of no to tempting but default behaviors. I don’t do them because they derail me, delay me, or harm others. This is massively underrated in value.

The second is a list of three DOs. I write a headline of “Do . . .” and fill in three actions I will prioritize in the next 24 hours. Never more than three. Only three. They’re big priorities. The most important things on my list or in my life. They feed who I want to be, how I want to be known, what I want to do, and where I want to go.

It rarely takes me more than two minutes to write these two lists of six actions: three DON’Ts and three DOs. But it gives my mind clarity, my body energy, and my heart courage.

Do the work. Embrace the chase.

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