Category: Self Help

Bernie Marcus is the co-founder and former CEO of Home Depot. 

This is how he built a culture of ownership, kept going when everyone turned him down, nearly lost it all, and created one of the most successful retailers in history. 

Public Release: December 16.
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By Maria Popova

Asian Efficiency is one of the leading productivity training companies. We help people become more productive at work and in life. We believe that you should be able to get everything done without having to sacrifice your health, family and things that matter to you. We’ve helped millions of people save time, be happier, and become more productive.

By Maria Popova

I remember a time when my biggest challenge was deciding between a second cup of coffee or diving straight into my inbox. Life felt… simpler. Then came the beautiful chaos of kids, and suddenly, “productivity” took on a whole new meaning. It wasn’t just about managing tasks anymore; it was about navigating a minefield of Lego bricks, impromptu dance parties, and the ever-present question, “Can I have a snack?” If you’re a parent trying to juggle work and home life, especially with kids around, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It feels like you’re constantly trying to catch a greased pig while simultaneously solving a Rubik’s Cube.

But here’s the good news: it is possible to get things done, even with little (or not-so-little) ones underfoot. It requires a shift in perspective, a healthy dose of flexibility, and a few clever strategies. We’ve all been there, trying to focus on a crucial email while a tiny human demands immediate attention for a scraped knee or a philosophical debate about why the sky is blue. It’s enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out. But what if you could create an environment where both your work and your kids could thrive, without sacrificing your sanity?

This isn’t about achieving perfect, uninterrupted workdays. Let’s be real, that’s a fantasy for most of us. Instead, it’s about finding practical ways to integrate your work into your family life, minimizing stress, and maximizing those precious pockets of focused time. Think of it less like a rigid schedule and more like a fluid dance, where you learn to anticipate the rhythm and move with it. It’s about creating an operating system for your family that allows everyone to contribute and feel a sense of ownership over their day.

Create a Fun Learning Environment

One of the biggest hurdles when working from home with kids is keeping them engaged and learning without constant supervision. This is where creativity comes in. Instead of seeing their presence as a distraction, view it as an opportunity to foster independence and a love for learning.

For example, my co-host Brooks shared how his family implemented a “Kanban for kids” system. If you’re not familiar, a Kanban board is a visual way to track tasks, moving them from “to do” to “doing” to “done.” They have a physical board with sticky notes for tasks like schoolwork, emptying the dishwasher, or getting physical activity. Each morning, they have a family huddle, similar to our daily stand-ups at Asian Efficiency, where the kids choose tasks for their “to do” column. Once all their committed tasks are “done,” they’re free to play, even if that means screen time. This approach gives kids ownership and a clear understanding of their responsibilities, reducing the need for constant nagging.

This concept can be adapted for even younger children by using pictures instead of words. Imagine setting up “activity stations” around the house. One corner could be a “reading station” for 30 minutes, another an “arts and crafts” zone, and perhaps a “Lego station” for creative building. This breaks up their day, provides variety, and gives them a sense of purpose. Mary, a member of our team, themes her days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are “reading days,” while Thursdays and Fridays are “math days.” This predictability helps kids know what to expect and reduces resistance.

It’s about making learning and daily responsibilities feel less like chores and more like an engaging game. When kids are actively involved and have a sense of control, they’re less likely to interrupt your work. It’s a win-win: they learn valuable life skills, and you gain precious moments of uninterrupted focus.

Create a Routine for You and Your Kids

While flexibility is key, a consistent routine provides a much-needed framework for both you and your children. This doesn’t mean every minute needs to be scheduled, but rather establishing predictable rhythms for the day.

For many parents, this means waking up before the kids. Brooks and his wife, for instance, use this quiet time to get a head start on their work. If you have younger children who still nap, those nap times become golden opportunities for focused work. It’s about identifying those natural windows of opportunity and capitalizing on them.

Another effective strategy, especially if you have a partner, is to alternate “shifts.” One parent can be “on duty” with the kids for a couple of hours while the other focuses on work, then swap. This allows for dedicated blocks of uninterrupted time for both parents. While this might not be feasible for single parents, the core idea remains: find ways to carve out dedicated work time within your daily rhythm.

Think about what works best for your family. Is it a time-based schedule, where certain activities happen at specific hours? Or is it more task-oriented, where the focus is on completing certain tasks regardless of the clock? For example, my team member Marie uses a whiteboard with a general routine for her son: walk the dogs, do chores, complete home learning, and then he earns screen time. This clear sequence of activities helps him understand expectations and manage his own time.

The goal is to create a predictable flow that minimizes surprises and maximizes your ability to focus. It’s not about being rigid, but about building a structure that supports everyone’s needs. Remember, a routine isn’t a cage; it’s a compass that guides your day.

Use Visual Cues to Minimize Interruptions

Even with the best routines, interruptions happen. This is where visual cues become your secret weapon. They provide a clear, non-verbal signal to your family about your availability, especially when you need to concentrate.

For those with a dedicated office space, a closed door can be a simple yet effective cue. My own kids generally understand that if my office door is closed, I’m in a meeting or doing focused work. But what if you’re working in a shared space, like a living room or kitchen? This is where you need to get creative.

Megan McKearney, who shared the Kanban for kids idea, uses a simple red, yellow, and green paper system hung on the back of her laptop. Red means “do not disturb unless it’s an emergency,” yellow means “approach with caution,” and green means “it’s okay to interrupt.” This visual signal empowers kids to make informed decisions about when to approach you, reducing unnecessary interruptions.

Another example, though a bit more elaborate, is an LED “dad’s on a call” sign that one person automated with Telegram. While that might be overkill for most, it illustrates the power of clear visual communication. The key is to find a system that works for your family and your living situation. It could be a specific hat you wear when you need to focus, a sign on your door, or even a designated “quiet time” signal.

It’s important to remember that these cues aren’t foolproof, especially with very young children. There will be times when your signals break down, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection, but rather to create a system that generally reduces interruptions and allows you to carve out those essential blocks of focused time. It’s about setting clear boundaries in a gentle, understandable way.

Communicate Your Schedule with Others

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, communicate your situation and schedule with everyone around you. This includes your partner, other family members, and especially your colleagues and boss. Transparency is your ally in navigating the complexities of working from home with kids.

Don’t be afraid to let your coworkers know that you have children at home and that there might be occasional background noise or brief interruptions. Chances are, many of them are in similar situations and will be empathetic. This open communication can alleviate stress and prevent misunderstandings. For example, before a meeting, you might say, “Just a heads-up, my kids are awake, so you might hear some background noise or I might need to mute for a moment.” This sets expectations and creates a more understanding environment.

At Asian Efficiency, we all work remotely, and many of us have kids. It’s common to hear children in the background during meetings, and it’s simply part of our reality. We understand and support each other. This collective understanding fosters a culture of flexibility and empathy.

Remember, you don’t have to pretend everything is perfect. Be honest about your challenges and needs. If you need an extra day to complete a task, communicate that proactively. The more open you are, the more flexibility and support you’ll receive. It’s about building a network of understanding and support, both at home and at work. Your honesty will not only benefit you but also create a more compassionate and realistic work environment for everyone.

Remember that feeling when you first got a smartphone, and suddenly, the world was at your fingertips? Or when you discovered cloud storage, and the fear of losing your files vanished? It’s that same sense of transformative possibility that’s buzzing around Apple’s latest announcements, especially with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. It’s not just about new gadgets; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we interact with our technology, making our digital lives smoother, smarter, and significantly more productive.

For years, my iPhone 12 Pro has been a trusty companion. It did everything I needed, and honestly, I saw no compelling reason to upgrade. A better camera lens? More storage? Nice, but not enough to justify the cost. But then came the recent WWDC, and suddenly, I felt that familiar pull. The kind that makes you think, “Okay, this is different. This is something I want to be a part of.” It’s not just me; my co-host Brooks Duncan, who’s usually pretty pragmatic about tech upgrades, felt it too. This isn’t just another incremental update; it’s a leap forward, especially for anyone serious about productivity.

The Calculator App: A Glimpse into the Future of Work

One of the most talked-about features, surprisingly, was the iPad’s new calculator app. On the surface, it sounds underwhelming. A calculator? Finally? But then they showed “Math Notes.” Imagine writing out complex equations with your Apple Pencil, and as soon as you add an equal sign, the solution appears instantly. You can even update variables, and the results recalculate in real time. It’s mind-blowing.

This isn’t just a cool party trick; it’s a powerful illustration of how AI will reshape our work. In my Four-Day AI Sprints course, I always point out that the future of work is AI-driven. We don’t need to understand every detail of how a tool works; we just need to know how to use it effectively. Think about driving a car. You rarely know the mechanics behind the engine, but you still drive it effortlessly from point A to point B. The same principle applies here.

Apple Intelligence: Embracing the AI Era

Apple has opted for the term “Apple Intelligence” rather than just AI. This not only highlights their smart branding but also underscores their focus on privacy. A key feature is on-device processing that keeps most of your personal data right there on your device or in a private cloud environment. It takes away a lot of the fear about data being shared more broadly.

Your iPhone harbors a treasure trove of personal data: photos, notes, app histories, and more. By using this unique data set as a personal large language model, Apple Intelligence learns your habits and preferences. Imagine Siri not only hearing your commands but anticipating them – like automatically ordering your favorite coffee after your morning workout or suggesting a protein shake when you’re running low. This is a glimpse into a future where technology works for you in the background, quietly enhancing your efficiency.

Beyond the Basics: Features to Enhance Your Daily Workflow

Along with upgrades to Siri, there are several new features designed to improve your daily productivity:

– Priority Notifications: Instead of drowning in non-essential alerts, Apple Intelligence learns which notifications truly matter and brings them to the forefront.

– Enhanced Focus Modes: These are not about shutting everything out, but about intelligently filtering interruptions so you stay in the zone during deep work sessions.

– Integrated Writing Tools: Picture drafting an email in Apple Mail or a document in Pages where a single tap can polish your text—making it more professional or concise—without needing to jump between apps.

And that’s not all. There are subtle innovations like improved window management on macOS, intuitive home screen customizations, and even scheduling for text messages. While these might seem small on their own, together they create a seamless, powerful digital environment that lets you get more done without extra effort.

I remember a time when my weekends felt like marathons. I was over-scheduled, rushing from one event to the next, always feeling like I had missed out on something. Even though I was busy all the time, I never felt truly refreshed at the end of the days. It wasn’t until I took a step back and asked myself one simple question – what would make my weekend really good – that everything changed. This realization transformed even the busiest of weekends into precious time for rejuvenation and growth.

Today, I want to share a simple blueprint to help you design a weekend that leaves you feeling recharged and ready for the week ahead. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal projects, learning to create balance on your days off can be a game-changer. Let’s dive into how you can intentionally shape your weekend to boost your overall well-being.

1. Define Your Ideal Weekend

Have you ever stopped to think about what a good weekend really means to you? For some, it might be a day of total rest; for others, it could include a mix of meaningful activities and relaxed downtime. The first step is to clearly define what success looks like at the end of your weekend.

• Ask Yourself: What would make your weekend feel truly successful? Write down one or two ideas that are non-negotiable for your happiness. For example, it could be having a quiet morning to yourself, getting outdoors, or spending quality time with a friend.
• Pick a Flag: Choose at least one key activity or experience that will serve as your anchor. This might be a morning walk in nature or a long, undisturbed coffee break. Having that one centerpiece helps ground your weekend in something that matters to you.

Reflect on this: When was the last time you intentionally planned your leisure time instead of just reacting to what came your way? This simple step can make all the difference.

2. Cherish Quality Time with People You Care About

One of the most potent ingredients for a good weekend is quality time with people who lift you up. I learned early on that the energy from genuine connections can be a secret weapon in resetting your mindset. It isn’t about filling every moment with interactions; rather, it is about choosing meaningful, uplifting encounters.

Consider these actionable tips:

1. Make a List: Think of three to five people who add positive energy to your life. These might be close friends or family members you haven’t connected with in a while.
2. Set a Plan: Decide on an activity that feels natural and satisfying. It might be a shared meal, a casual outing, or even a simple phone call to check in with someone.
3. Say No to Obligations: Not every invitation is a must. If spending time with a certain group feels like an obligation rather than a joy, allow yourself the space to skip it.

Remember, research shows that spending time with people you care about can boost your life satisfaction significantly. What small step can you take this weekend to deepen a meaningful connection? Sometimes, it’s the simple act of reaching out that makes all the difference.

3. Embrace Spontaneity by Leaving Room for Flexibility

Having a plan is important, but so is leaving space for the unexpected. I used to fill my weekends with tightly packed schedules until I realized that over-committing can drain your energy and stifle creativity. The key is finding a balance between structure and spontaneity.

Why Flexibility Matters:

• Unexpected Opportunities: Sometimes the best ideas or moments happen when you least expect them. Leaving gaps in your schedule gives you the freedom to explore these opportunities.
• Reduce Stress: A packed calendar can become overwhelming. When you leave open blocks of time, you give yourself the breathing room needed to recharge.
• Personal Reflection: An unstructured period can be a great time for a personal check-in. Think about what you need in that moment without a strict agenda pressing you.

Consider applying these ideas:

• Limit your weekend commitments by scheduling only the essential activities.
• Block out at least one long period where nothing is planned. Use this time for exercise, a hobby, or simply to relax.
• When an unexpected invitation comes up, having free space on your calendar makes it much easier to say yes.

Ask yourself: Would you rather stick to a rigid plan or allow yourself the possibility of a delightful surprise?

Bringing It All Together: Your Weekend Blueprint

A good weekend is not about being busy; it is about being intentional with your time. Here’s a simple framework to design a weekend that nourishes both your body and mind:

1. Start with Intention: Decide one key thing that will define your weekend. It could be as simple as spending an hour outdoors or reading your favorite book.
2. Prioritize Meaningful Connections: Touch base with the people who add value to your life, even if it means just a quick coffee or a text conversation.
3. Keep It Flexible: Don’t pressure yourself to stick to a master schedule. Allow for flexibility so that you can enjoy spontaneous moments without guilt.

By following this blueprint, you can transform your weekends from a series of tasks into a restorative ritual that propels you into the coming week with clarity and vigor.

Final Thoughts

Your weekend holds the potential to reset your mindset for the entire week. Instead of letting it slip away in reaction to endless obligations, take control and shape your off days into something that truly matters. Ask yourself what would make your weekend truly good, invest in meaningful relationships, and always leave room for the unexpected in your schedule.

Next time you approach the weekend, reflect on these steps. What small change can you make that will have a big impact on your energy and productivity? Try setting one clear intention for your weekend and see how it transforms your outlook. It might just be the breakthrough you need to balance the demands of a busy life with the enjoyment of truly living.

Remember, a good weekend is not a luxury—it’s an essential part of sustaining a productive and fulfilling life. Before your next busy week begins, give yourself permission to take a step back, relax, and recharge.

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes, even when you’ve technically got the time to tackle your to-do list? You’ve blocked out an hour for that big project, but when the time comes, your brain feels like it’s wading through treacle. You might think it’s procrastination, or a lack of interest, but often, it’s simply an energy problem. It’s like having a supercar with an empty fuel tank—all the potential in the world, but no way to get moving.

This isn’t just about having enough hours in the day; it’s about having the right kind of energy for the right tasks. We often focus on time management, but the truth is, energy management is the silent, powerful engine behind true productivity. When your energy is aligned with your tasks, everything flows better, feels easier, and gets done more effectively.

Understanding Your Energy Cycles: Are You a Morning Person, Night Owl, or Something Else?

Think back to your college days. Were you burning the midnight oil, or were you up with the sun, ready to conquer the world? For many of us, those energy patterns shift over time. I used to be a night owl in college, then a super early morning person in my 20s, and now I’m more of a mid-morning guy, hitting my stride around [7:30] or 8 AM. My co-host, Brooks, has gone the opposite way, becoming an extreme morning person who’s ready for bed by 9 PM.

The key here is self-awareness. We all have natural peaks and valleys in our energy throughout the day. A night owl feels most energetic and focused late in the day, while a morning person thrives in the early hours. Some of us are somewhere in the middle. Knowing your unique cycle is the ultimate productivity hack.

> When do you typically have your peaks and valleys?

For me, my peak energy and creativity hit between 8 AM and noon. Once I realized this, I made a conscious shift. I used to work out in the mornings, but that was when my brain was at its sharpest. So, I moved my workouts to the afternoons, when my energy naturally dips. This allowed me to dedicate my peak hours to high-energy tasks like scripting, content creation, and writing newsletters—anything that required deep thinking and focus. The result? My work became more enjoyable, I got more done, and things just felt easier. Even though I was doing the same activities, simply changing the order made a world of difference.

Now, you might be thinking, “But Thanh, I don’t have a flexible schedule like that. I work a 9-to-5!” And I get it. But even within a fixed schedule, there are powerful tweaks you can make.

Aligning Tasks with Your Energy: High, Medium, and Low

Imagine categorizing your tasks not just by urgency, but by the energy they demand. This is a concept I experimented with years ago, even trying to label tasks in OmniFocus as “high energy,” “medium energy,” or “low energy.” While I didn’t stick with the rigid system long-term (it can get a bit too “fiddly,” as Brooks would say), the exercise itself was incredibly insightful.

It forces you to take inventory of your to-do list and truly understand what each task requires from you. Most people struggle to identify what’s truly important, so everything looks equally urgent. But when you add the energy component, you gain a new lens for strategic planning.

What would be a high, medium, and low energy task for you?

For me, high-energy tasks are anything that requires deep thinking and creativity: scripting, content creation, writing newsletters, teaching. Medium-energy tasks are those that require focus but less intense thought, like creating outlines or double-checking someone’s work. Low-energy tasks are administrative: checking emails, uploading files, attending routine meetings.

Brooks, as a content creator, also identifies building courses, making and editing videos, and live presentations as high-energy activities. He pushes tasks like organizing, learning new skills, or reviewing tickets to his lower-energy periods. The goal is to front-load your day with your most demanding work during your peak energy times.

Practical Strategies for Maximizing Your Energy

Even if you have a fixed 9-to-5, you can implement these strategies to align your energy with your work:

• Block Off Your Peak Times: If possible, block out time on your calendar during your peak energy periods. Even if you don’t know exactly what you’ll be working on, this protects your focus time from meetings and interruptions. You can fill in the specific tasks later. If someone tries to book you during your peak, suggest an afternoon slot when your energy is naturally lower. This isn’t about being unavailable; it’s about protecting your most valuable asset—your focused energy.
• Delegate or Automate Low-Energy Tasks: If you have a team, an intern, or even the possibility of using AI tools, offload those low-energy tasks. Why spend your precious mental fuel on something that can be done by someone else or automated? Tools like ChatGPT and other AI solutions are transforming how we handle mundane tasks, freeing up your time and energy for higher-value work.
• Question the Timing: As Brooks wisely points out, we often feel compelled to do things immediately, especially if we’re people-pleasers. But sometimes, you have more leeway than you think. If someone asks you to do something, it’s okay to clarify the deadline or suggest a later time. A simple, “Is it possible to do this next week?” can often be met with a “Yes, no problem,” saving your energy for when you truly need it.
• Embrace Movement and Micro-Breaks: You don’t need a full nap (though if you can swing it, go for it!). Even small movements can recharge you. Get up from your desk, go for a short walk, grab a glass of water (or, like Brooks, use a smaller mug to force more trips to the kitchen!). I make it a point to walk for 10 minutes after every meal to aid digestion and boost energy. These little shifts prevent you from being chained to your desk and can significantly impact your energy levels.
• Prioritize Breaks and Recovery: This is perhaps the most underrated productivity hack. Most people don’t take enough breaks. For every 90 minutes of work, aim for a 15-30 minute break. These aren’t periods to feel guilty about; they’re active recovery. Think of them as pit stops for your brain. A 10-minute meditation with an app like Calm can reset your mind, giving you a fresh start. If you can get two hours of uninterrupted, focused work in an eight-hour day, that’s a win. The rest of the time is for breaks, lower-energy tasks, and recovery.

Building Self-Awareness for Lasting Change

To truly master energy management, you need to understand yourself. Tools like fitness trackers (Apple Watch, Oura Ring) can provide data on your sleep and energy patterns. Journaling is another powerful way to track your peaks and valleys, helping you identify what boosts or drains your energy. Ask yourself: “How am I feeling right now?” and then, “What made me feel this way?” This deeper reflection helps you uncover patterns and make informed adjustments.

Remember, the goal isn’t to work harder, but to work smarter by aligning your efforts with your natural energy flow. By understanding your unique energy cycles and strategically planning your day, you can unlock a new level of productivity without sacrificing your well-being.

I used to think productivity was all about cramming more into my day. I’d wake up, immediately dive into emails, and try to tackle my to-do list before my coffee even kicked in. The result? A constant feeling of being rushed, overwhelmed, and frankly, not very productive at all. It felt like I was always playing catch-up, and my days often ended with me feeling drained and unaccomplished.

Then I realized something crucial: true productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about setting yourself up for success. And for me, that revelation came through understanding the power of what we at Asian Efficiency call a “rise ritual.” It’s not just a morning routine; it’s a personalized set of actions you take after waking up, whenever that may be, to prime your mind and body for a focused and effective day. This isn’t about rigid schedules or waking up at 4 AM (unless that works for you!). It’s about intentionality and creating space for yourself before the demands of the day take over.

Make Time, Don’t Find Time

One of the biggest misconceptions about a rise ritual is that you need to “find” time for it. The truth is, you have to make time. For years, I struggled with this. Living in Los Angeles, my mornings were a blur of rushing to work, often eating in the car. I wanted a morning routine, but it felt impossible to fit in. I was already lacking sleep, going to bed late, and waking up just in time to commute.

My breakthrough came when I stopped trying to wake up earlier and instead focused on going to bed earlier. It sounds simple, but it was a game-changer. By shifting my bedtime, I created the space I needed to actually implement a routine. I could read, reflect, and prepare for the day without feeling like I was sacrificing precious sleep or rushing through everything. This wasn’t about magically hoping for a different tomorrow; it was about intentionally adjusting my habits to support my goals.

Many people fall into the trap of trying to force an “ideal” routine into an unrealistic schedule. They envision doing yoga, planning their day, reading a chapter, and calling friends, all before the kids are up or an early meeting starts. Life happens. Kids, commutes, early meetings across time zones, unexpected surprises – these all impact your morning. The key is to assess your current situation and see what you can adjust. Maybe it’s your sleep pattern, like it was for me. Maybe it’s doing some “pre-work” the night before, like planning your day in the evening instead of the morning. The goal is to create a realistic time duration you can commit to, even if it means stacking tasks or making small adjustments.

*What small adjustment can you make today to create more space for yourself in the morning?

Personalize Your Routine: One Size Does Not Fit All

I’ll admit, I used to be a sucker for reading about other people’s routines. I’d see successful individuals doing certain things and think, “Oh, I should be doing that too!” Whether it was Benjamin Franklin’s schedule or a popular entrepreneur’s morning habits, I tried to emulate them. But I eventually realized that my life, my goals, and my situation are unique. Why should my rise ritual be the same as someone else’s?

The power of a rise ritual lies in its personalization. It should support your goals and help you have a good day. Instead of copying, think in terms of categories of activities that can contribute to a productive start. You don’t have to do something from every category, but consider what resonates with you:

• Movement: Stretching, light exercise, a walk, or a gym session. This gets your body moving and blood flowing.
• Mindfulness: Reading, meditation, gratitude exercises, or journaling. This helps you engage your mind and set a positive tone.
• Planning: Visualization, affirmations, or outlining your day. This provides clarity and direction.
• Nourishment: Drinking water, coffee, tea, or a healthy breakfast. This fuels your body.
• Other: Family time, preparing for the day, or anything else that brings you peace or prepares you for what’s ahead.

For me, my rise ritual takes about 30-40 minutes. I used to exercise in the morning, but I’ve shifted that to the afternoon. I realized my energy dips then, and a workout helps me power through. This frees up my mornings for deep, focused work. The most important thing is what makes you feel good and productive. It’s an iterative process; don’t expect perfection from day one.

*Which of these categories speaks to you most, and what’s one small thing you could try from it?

Embrace Imperfection: The “Something is Better Than Nothing” Rule

Life is unpredictable. There will be days when your perfectly planned rise ritual goes completely off the rails. My co-host Brooks recently shared how his morning routine was disrupted when he had to take his son for a driver’s test. Things like travel, unexpected appointments, or even just a bad night’s sleep can throw you off. The danger here is that one missed day can easily turn into two, and suddenly your entire routine is abandoned.

This is where the “something is better than nothing” rule comes in. Just because you can’t do your full rise ritual doesn’t mean you should ditch it entirely. Instead, have a compressed version ready. Identify your non-negotiables – the absolute core elements you want to do every day. Then, know what’s droppable or can be shifted to later in the day. For Brooks, reading for 30 minutes is a core part of his routine, but it’s also the first thing to go if his schedule gets wacky. He’ll just read later in the day.

I used to be the person who, if I couldn’t do a full 60-minute workout, I’d skip it altogether. Now, if I only have 40 minutes, I’ll do a compressed version. Maybe two sets instead of three. The point is to maintain momentum. The worst thing you can do is skip it twice in a row. It’s much harder to get back on track once you’ve lost that rhythm. Imperfection is part of the process. Be okay with it, adjust, and keep moving forward.

*What are your non-negotiables for a productive start to your day, and what’s your plan for when things don’t go as planned?

Feeling overwhelmed by your daily tasks? In this episode, we dive into practical, easy-to-implement automation strategies that will help you win back precious time every single day. Discover how small tweaks, from optimizing your browser to streamlining your morning routine, can lead to massive productivity gains. We’ll share actionable examples and personal insights to help you automate your way to a more efficient and fulfilling day.

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Visit asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics.

Cheat Sheet:

Become a member of TPS+ and get ad-free episodes a week before anyone else with other great bonuses like the famous “One Tweak A Week” shirt.

• 🔧 Top 3 Productivity Resources [02:38]
• 🧠 A simple mindset shift that makes automation feel effortless [06:15]
• ⚡️ Real-life automations we use that save time and energy every single day [15:41]
• 🔁 How small tweaks can turn routine into something that runs itself [32:09]
• 📆 The surprisingly simple habit that keeps everything on track [40:24]

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