productivity

Make an Easy Escape from the Tyranny of an Aimless Day

This Daily Exercise Can Make All the Difference

Harvey Ramer

• 1 min read (250 words) Sign Up & Get Motivated

Are you like me? I hate to end a day with the realization that, though I was busy, even frantic, my most essential tasks remain undone. While we cannot eliminate all distractions that intrude into our workday, we can control the one thing that makes the most difference: attention.

A simple plan conserves and directs our energy.

Aimlessness Is a Tyrant

Aimlessness robs us of our dreams, and it fills us with regret. If you have also had some five-o-clock regrets lately, we can escape them together.

Intentionality for the Win

As an experiment in building small habits, I plan to start every day this month by writing a short list of the most important things I want to achieve. Then, I will choose the one thing that matters most. I will define it carefully and keep its scope small enough to accomplish without heroics. During the day, I will hold that goal in mind and complete it regardless of any chaos the day might bring.

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”
— Jim Rohn

A Simple Challenge

If mastering your attention is still a work in progress, join me in this challenge. Every morning, clarify your most important objective in writing. Toward the end of your workday, check in with your intention. If it is incomplete, block out some time and make yourself happy by doing the work you’ve planned.

Using this tiny habit, you can progress daily, preserve your autonomy, and track your growth.

Hear from Monday Motivation Readers

“Every Monday is like a mini New Year, giving you the chance to start fresh with a clean slate. That's why Harvey's Monday Motivation emails are a blessing. You can choose to complain and hate Mondays, or you can be among the select few who embrace a new, fresh start. Monday Motivation provides a pep talk, wise principles, and a vision that can help you see that life and work are meaningful. I encourage everyone to read it and start their week off right with a vision and principles that don't conform to the world, but instead seek to serve others and better yourself!”

— Bailey Lipscomb, Software Engineer

“I truly enjoy receiving Harvey's Monday Motivation messages. They are easy-to-read, but packed with helpful and encouraging information. I created a separate email folder to store them just so I can refer back to them more easily. His topics are very timely and seem to address issues I am currently experiencing, like self-doubt and problems completing what I start, or they address topics that can help me personally and professionally, such as ways to provide more impact at work. I like to keep Harvey's messages because they provide simple, actionable steps to implement, but can lead to a significant return. Referring to the messages weeks later provides good accountability to ensure I'm following the advice.”

— Greg Gerber, Writer & Coach at Forward from 50.

“Spending a few minutes reading Monday Motivation has become something that truly has been meaningful, thoughtful, and encouraging.”

— A Local Business and Ministry Leader.

“The value I find from Harvey's messages is an acknowledgment that many people feel dissatisfied, even with seemingly successful lives. His writing is such a reflection of him. Not a ‘get happy quick’ message but a message of empathy, compassion, and hope. He walks in his readers' shoes towards more purpose and impact. It is not quick and easy. But very possible.”

— Melissa Bloom, Coach and Author of The Path to Joy.