For many of us, some of best days we have are productive days.
We enjoy relaxing but when we’ve worked on or produced something important that day, we often sleep much more easily.
This has a lot to do with our shared story of the world (the hero’s journey) and how that plays out in real life.
It’s part of our core value structure, accepting difficult challenges and overcoming them.
Many of us thirst for the rewards that following this format brings to life, but we often get lost in pursuit.
If you watched the video above, this is where the guide would step in and show you the way 🧙
.
.
Sadly, Gandalf’s and Dumbledore’s aren’t ten a penny so most of the time we need to figure this stuff out on our own.
We could study the hero’s journey in more depth, but those insights take a long time to surface.
Instead, we can create habits that constantly reassess the path we’re on so we can course-correct when necessary.
One of the best practices I’ve found that helps with this is Tim Ferriss’ 5-Minute Journal.
It’s a writing practice you do every day, split 60/40 by Morning/Evening.
I usually complete the first part when I’m having my morning coffee, and the second part just before going to bed.
Here’s a summary:
We enjoy relaxing but when we’ve worked on or produced something important that day, we often sleep much more easily.
This has a lot to do with our shared story of the world (the hero’s journey) and how that plays out in real life.
It’s part of our core value structure, accepting difficult challenges and overcoming them.
Many of us thirst for the rewards that following this format brings to life, but we often get lost in pursuit.
If you watched the video above, this is where the guide would step in and show you the way 🧙
.
.
Sadly, Gandalf’s and Dumbledore’s aren’t ten a penny so most of the time we need to figure this stuff out on our own.
We could study the hero’s journey in more depth, but those insights take a long time to surface.
Instead, we can create habits that constantly reassess the path we’re on so we can course-correct when necessary.
One of the best practices I’ve found that helps with this is Tim Ferriss’ 5-Minute Journal.
It’s a writing practice you do every day, split 60/40 by Morning/Evening.
I usually complete the first part when I’m having my morning coffee, and the second part just before going to bed.
Here’s a summary:
5-Minute journal (5MJ)
The 5-Minute Journal is a process of self-enquiry. It encourages you to think positively, bring intention to your day, and feel good about yourself.
Make sure you have no distractions for the next 5 minutes or so then continue to write after the prompts.
Part 1
- I am grateful for...fill in the blank 3 times.
- What would make today great? Answer 3 times.
- I am.....add 3 affirmations, for example “I am an excellent writer and communicator”
That’s it for the morning, and if you don’t complete the next part, you’ll still reap the benefits.
Part 2
You can now reflect on your day, calling out your successes and also considering what might be improved.
Usually just before bed, spend a few minutes with no distractions answering the following:
- What made today great? Answer 3 times.
- What would’ve made today even better? Answer 3 times.
-
Pay attention to any changes you experience after a few days of this.
At the very least, you’ll see some patterns emerging. At best, you’ll become truly productive and begin spending more time on the projects and tasks that contribute to personal, career, and business growth.