If you’re working in the kitchen of Anthony Bourdain, legendary chef of Brasserie Les Halles, best-selling author, and famed television personality, you don’t dare so much as boil hot water without attending to a ritual that’s essential for any self-respecting chef: mise-en-place.
How to Spend the First 10 Minutes of Your Day
It shouldn’t involve email.
June 19, 2014
Summary.
Many of us spend the first moments at our desks answering emails or listening to voice mail, but a better approach is to begin your day with a brief planning session. Envisioning what you would like to accomplish today separates truly important tasks from those that simply feel urgent. Break down complex tasks into specific actions by starting each item on your to-do list with a verb. Having each step mapped out in advance will minimize complex thinking later in the day and make procrastination less likely. Finally, prioritize your list, beginning your day with tasks that require the most mental energy. Research indicates that we have less willpower as the day progresses, which is why it’s best to tackle challenging items – particularly those requiring focus and mental agility – early on.