📅 “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.”

Let me be honest—I’ve had days where I’ve looked at a to-do list, then “accidentally” checked my email for the fifth time before even starting the first item. Sound familiar?

This quote cuts through the noise with striking clarity. It’s not just about time management. It’s about energy management—and knowing when you’re at your best.

Our brains are like phone batteries. They start the day with a full charge, but every decision, distraction, and delay drains that charge. If you wait to tackle your most dreaded or important task until 3 p.m., chances are you’ll procrastinate again… or do it poorly.

That’s why the advice “don’t put it off, put it first” is golden. When you identify the thing you avoid most—that’s not just your chore, it’s your signal. That task holds weight, and giving it your freshest attention gives you the best chance of doing it well.

5 Practical Ways to Apply This in Daily Life

1. 1. Schedule Your “Frog” FirstBrian Tracy called it “eating the frog”—doing the hardest thing first. Each night, identify one task you’re tempted to delay and put it in your calendar for the next morning. Protect that time like it’s a meeting with your future success.
   2. Know Your Peak Energy Window Are you sharpest at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m.? For most people, the first few hours of the day are gold. Use that window for deep, focused work—not email or admin tasks.
   3. Use a Trigger Ritual For me, it’s coffee, a short walk with my dogs, and 15 minutes of journaling. That signals my brain: “It’s go time.” Find your own ritual to shift into productive mode.
   4. Set a 20-Minute Timer If a task feels too big, start with just 20 minutes. More often than not, once you begin, momentum kicks in and you’ll go beyond it.
   5. Track Your WinsEach day you do the thing you wanted to avoid, write it down. It’s powerful to see a streak of action—it builds confidence and helps you trust yourself again.

One Final Thought

If you’ve put something off lately, ask yourself: What am I waiting for? You don’t need more time—you need to prioritize it earlier.

Remember: scheduling isn’t just about fitting things into your day. It’s about choosing what matters before your energy and willpower are gone.

Start tomorrow by putting your #1 task first—and watch how much better the rest of your day flows.