Best Way to Start Your Day
The Most Important Thing to Do Daily
Given my personality, at any given time, I tend to have a lot of ideas racing through my mind. Thoughts about work, personal growth, daily tasks, and random creative bursts. Oftentimes, I find myself trying to jump between ideas, which can feel overwhelming and scattered. I discovered something simple yet powerful that helped me channel these thoughts more effectively: a morning ritual that allows me to process, prioritize, and gain mental clarity. This practice has become the anchor that grounds my day, setting a solid foundation before I dive into the hustle of life.
When I wake up every day, the first thing I do is make my coffee. There’s something comforting and grounding about the ritual. The sound of water boiling, the aroma filling the room, the warmth of the cup in my hands. Once my coffee is ready, I open a single tab: my Apple Notes app. That’s when the process truly starts.
I start writing. But this writing isn’t formal or structured. It’s more about free-flowing ideas, a mental download of everything swirling in my mind. I don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or even making sense. I simply pour out my thoughts, raw and unfiltered. This includes reflections on my work as a software engineer, thoughts about relationships, creative ideas, personal goals, random observations, and even fleeting emotions.
Some days, I find myself jotting down to-do lists, project deadlines, or scheduling reminders. Sometimes, I reflect on philosophical musings, future aspirations, or lessons learned. My tone shifts based on my mood—reflective, analytical, or just a stream of consciousness.
This ritual usually lasts about 20 minutes. It’s about expression, not perfection. It’s a safe space where my thoughts can exist without judgment, allowing me to declutter my mind and make room for focused thinking throughout the day.
I started doing this about three months ago, and the impact has been profound. The most noticeable change is the clarity it brings. Every day starts with a clean mental slate
. I’m reminded of my overarching goals and the specific focus for that day. My brain feels less cluttered, more organized, and sharper in tackling tasks.
I’ve become more intentional with my time because I’ve already mapped out my priorities mentally. Even spontaneous ideas that would’ve been lost in the rush of a busy day are captured and preserved. This habit helps me track my progress over time, identify patterns in my thinking, and even spot areas where I tend to get stuck or repetitive.
Most importantly, it’s a form of self-connection. In a world that constantly demands our attention, this practice allows me to center myself, acknowledge my thoughts, and start the day with a sense of purpose and direction.
This method has been incredibly beneficial for me, and I highly recommend it to others. It has consistently proven to be highly effective. Additionally, you don’t need to use Apple Notes; any tool you find suitable will suffice. The key is to have something simple and accessible where you can quickly jot down your thoughts. I truly believe that every person can benefit from this practice. Thanks.