Page 147 - The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

the last one of our kids leaves for the bus. These 30 minutes are critical to my
success.

By setting up your day to make sure that you “focus on the right things,” as
Jeremy does, you prime yourself to be “much more productive” and successful in
accomplishing your goals for the day.

The concept of “30 before 7:30 a.m.” cannot be done once you walk into the
office. You must do this at home or at your favorite coffee shop or on the train or
sitting in your car in the parking lot. I’m not kidding. The moment you walk into
your office and answer that first email or take that first call, your day is gone.

Professor Sune Carlsson studied how CEOs get so much accomplished. What
was the secret of these high-powered executives? They worked at home for 90
minutes because “there was some chance of concentration.” At work, they reported
being interrupted every 20 minutes. And what did I tell you about interruption? It’s
the kiss of death to productivity.

Why else is it important to plan and do the most important stuff first thing?
Remember, as Dr. Ariely told us, the first 2 to 3 hours of the day are the best
hours for the brain to focus on the tasks or goals that advance your own personal
or professional goals. Filling that time with unimportant stuff is stupid.