Simple Daily Reminders for Staying on Track

I've tried the fancy productivity systems, but here's what works: This 3x5 notecard... Each evening, I sit down at my desk and write down the 3-5 highest impact to-dos for the following day. These are the "important" tasks that directly contribute to my long-term projects or goals. The list is pure—I specifically avoid writing down all of the miscellaneous urgent and unimportant to-dos (more on that later). In the morning, I sit down at my desk for my first focus work block and start at the top of the list, working my way down and crossing off the important items as I get through them. My primary goal is to cross each item off the list by the end of the day. I am intentionally conservative in the number of items I write on the list. It's usually 3, sometimes 4, and very rarely 5. I never want to end the day with open items, so being conservative helps me accomplish that (and get the extra rush from getting through more than I expected). As I go through the day, I stole an idea from Marc Andreessen to use the back of the card to write down and cross off any minor to-dos that I complete (the urgent or unimportant tasks that are not welcome on the front of the card). The process of writing and crossing off an item on the back of the card is a further boost of momentum, so I find it to be a worthwhile exercise. My notecard productivity system is painfully simple, but it's grounded in five powerful realizations: 1. 15 minutes of prep in the evening is worth hours the next morning. By setting out your priority tasks the night before, you eliminate any friction from having to decide what to work on. You hit the ground sprinting. 2. Important > Urgent. By tackling the important to start the day, you guarantee progress against the big picture projects and goals. If my day went to hell after that morning focus block (which it sometimes does with a 1-year-old at home!), it would be ok, because I know I've gotten through much of my important work. 3. Momentum is everything. Crossing important items off your list to start the day immediately creates a winning feeling that you keep with you. Success begets success. 4. Simple is beautiful. If you're spending time thinking about your productivity system, you're studying for the wrong test. That's movement for the sake of movement. You should be focused on progress. 5. Find what works for you. It used to stress me out that I didn't have a beautiful productivity system that would impress others. Then I realized that whatever works for me is the best productivity system. Identify how you operate and find the system that works for you. To get started, just buy a stack of simple 3x5 notecards and give it a shot. If you've ever been overwhelmed by productivity systems and advice, this is an approach to try. Follow me Sahil Bloom for more ideas like this in the future and join 800,000+ others who get these in my weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/esGsF85Q

Most people wait until burnout to start designing their day. I didn’t want to be one of them. So I built this. A simple Daily AI Habit Checklist that takes less than 5 minutes — but helps me stay calm, clear, and consistent. It’s not productivity for the sake of doing more. It’s clarity for the sake of doing what matters most. Here’s how it works: - Morning Prompt: “What would my future self thank me for today?” Because urgency ≠ importance. - Mid-Morning Voice dump → AI summary (I use Whisper or Otter) Let the noise out. Let insight in. - After Meetings Upload call notes → “Decisions + next steps?” Reduce context switching. Increase follow-through. - Afternoon Prompt “What are 3 ways to solve this differently?” Because creativity often hides behind exhaustion. - Evening Reflection Ask: “What were 3 wins and 1 lesson today?” Build momentum with meaning. The result is powerful: A calm system for clear thinking - even when the world moves fast. Steal this checklist. Try it for 1 week. Let AI help you reconnect with your own wisdom. 👇I’d love to hear your favorite daily prompt or habit ritual in the comments. Let’s design systems that serve your soul - not just your schedule. ____________________________________ I’m Amit Rawal, Chief AI Officer and former Apple AI Product Leader. I’m building Supercharge Life AI, a Life OS to help you supercharge your work, health, and wealth with AI. ♻️ Repost to help someone think and feel better today

People make a big deal out of 'getting ready for the day.  But honestly, it doesn't have to be a morning marathon. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate 10 minutes to setting up my day.  This routine has been my anchor for over 10 years, transforming what used to be an hour-long chore into a quick, impactful ritual. Here's my stripped-down process: - First, I glance at my automated reminders I built over the years. They keep me aware of my must-dos. - Next, I review my calendar, pinpointing meetings and scribbling down key points for each. This ensures I'm never caught off guard. - Finally, I jot down three critical tasks outside my scheduled events. These are my non-negotiables for the day, ensuring I focus on what truly matters. Over a decade into this practice, it's become second nature. I step out the door, not just prepared but energized, ready to take on whatever the day throws at me.  It's not about filling every minute of your day; it's about prioritizing smartly to tackle it with confidence. Remember, the key to a productive day starts with a clear, calm mind. Keep it simple, and watch your days transform.

Mental overload is killing your success. 6 resets to bring you back in control: You’re bombarded with choices from the moment you wake up. And most of them feel urgent—even when they’re not. By noon, your focus is scattered. You’re reacting instead of responding. That’s why your most meaningful work gets buried. Real progress doesn’t come from more hustle. It comes from choosing where your energy flows 🌱 These 6 daily resets make all the difference: 1) Presence Protocols ↳ Begin your day without screens ↳ Take 10 slow breaths before deciding ↳ Set one clear intention each morning 2) Mental Reset Zones ↳ Block out “no decision” windows ↳ Move your body to shift your state ↳ Come back to work with clarity 3) Pre-Decided Priorities ↳ Pick your top 3 goals the night before ↳ Filter every task through those goals ↳ Say no to misaligned distractions 4) Emotional Check-ins ↳ Pause every hour for 1 minute ↳ Ask: Am I acting from clarity or stress? ↳ Adjust your pace accordingly 5) Ritualized Routines ↳ Automate the simple stuff ↳ Consistent morning and meal routines ↳ Save energy for creative work 6) Boundary Bracketing ↳ Create start/end rituals for work ↳ Use a “shutdown” cue to disconnect ↳ Let your nervous system rest Mental space is your superpower. Protect your mind to unlock your best self. ♻️ Repost to help your network reclaim clarity and focus 🙂 Follow Marco Franzoni for more.