“SCHEDULING: DON’T PUT IT OFF, PUT IT FIRST. Our attention span drains throughout the day. When we do something has a large impact on how well we do it. If there’s something you find yourself putting off, then you’ve identified your chore.”

— Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method

Have you ever noticed how certain tasks always end up getting bumped to “later”—and “later” rarely comes? I’ve lived that cycle, too. We tell ourselves we’ll do the important thing after just one more email… one more errand… one more distraction. Before we know it, the day is gone and the meaningful work is still untouched.

But there’s real power in flipping that pattern. Doing what matters first—not last—can be a game-changer. Over the years, I’ve found this truth to be especially important as I coach others (and remind myself!) to focus on the essential instead of the urgent.

Here are 7 practical ways to apply this principle and take back your time with intention:

1. Identify Your “Most Important Task” the Night Before

Each evening, ask yourself: What’s one thing that, if I did it tomorrow, would move my life or work forward?

Write it down. Circle it. Put it at the top of your list. Let that task become your anchor for the day—not an afterthought.

2. Use Time Blocking—But Protect Your First Block

Time blocking has become popular for a reason—it works. The key? Don’t just schedule your important task—protect it.Block off the first hour of your morning and treat it like an unmissable appointment. No email. No calls. Just you and what matters most.

3. Eat the Frog

This old saying still holds up: If the first thing you do each morning is eat a live frog, nothing worse will happen the rest of the day. In other words, tackle the tough task first. It frees up your energy and sets a powerful tone for the rest of the day.

4.  Create a “Delay Costs” List

Sometimes we procrastinate because we underestimate the cost of waiting. Try this: make a list of tasks you’ve been putting off, then write down what it’s costing you—emotionally, financially, or in terms of momentum. You’ll be amazed how motivating clarity can be.

5.  Batch Small Tasks Later in the Day

Your brain is sharpest in the morning. Use that precious energy for deep work. Push the easier stuff—emails, errands, low-stakes decisions—to the afternoon. This simple shift preserves your focus for what truly matters.

6.  Use an Accountability Partner

I’ve seen this work wonders—especially for creative or long-term projects. Tell a friend or colleague what you’re going to do first thing tomorrow, and have them check in. That light touch of accountability can create powerful follow-through.

7.  Reward Yourself for Finishing Early

Build a positive feedback loop. When you complete your most important task early, celebrate it. Whether it’s a walk outside, a good cup of coffee, or 15 minutes with a book—acknowledge the win. Motivation increases when we recognize progress.

Final Thoughts: Win the Morning, Win the Day

There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing you’ve tackled your top priority before noon. It clears mental clutter, builds confidence, and fuels momentum. You don’t need to do everything early—just the one thing that truly counts.

So tomorrow morning, resist the urge to scroll. Don’t check the inbox. Instead, put it first. The rest of your day will thank you for it.