Issue No. 85

Last month, I found myself demotivated and stuck in a cycle of procrastination, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks I needed to tackle. At work, I manage two products, overseeing their entire lifecycle from ideation to launch. Beyond the office, I juggle four business projects. Adding to this, I had personal commitments: reading books, writing newsletters, progressing on my novel, working out, learning to code, enhancing my product management skills, learning Korean and Spanish, meeting friends, traveling—the list seemed endless. These weren’t occasional tasks; they demanded attention weekly.

With only 24 hours in a day—eight of which I reserve for sleep—I was left with 16 hours to fit everything in. The pressure became overwhelming, and I began procrastinating by watching Instagram reels, YouTube, or Netflix. This wasn’t my usual behavior, but once the cycle started, it became hard to break. Similarly, when I got into a productive rhythm, it was equally hard to stop. I realized I needed to manage my time better, but I didn’t know where to begin. I needed something more reliable than a fleeting wish for motivation. Staring at my to-do list felt exhausting, and more often than not, I simply gave up and went to bed. Something needed to change.

I decided to start small. I cleaned my room. I prepared meals for the week, did the laundry, cleaned the bathroom, changed my sheets, and vacuumed. These simple acts gave me a sense of accomplishment—a dopamine rush. I felt capable and ready for more, so I headed to the gym and finished a workout in an hour. The post-workout euphoria spurred me further, and I completed an entire website in one sitting. From there, I tackled the more complex tasks in my businesses. Momentum carried me forward, and I realized something important.

Motivation is often misunderstood. Many believe it must precede action when, in reality, it follows it. You can’t feel confident swimming if you’ve never stepped into the water. Similarly, motivation is built through action, one small step at a time. These small wins stack up, creating a chain of accomplishments that fuel further effort.

This is why starting the day with a productive task is so powerful. It sets the tone for everything else.

In line with this, I moved my gym sessions from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. By 5 a.m., after completing a tough workout, I already felt accomplished. The day’s remaining tasks felt manageable in comparison, and my focus improved. I still made time for rest and downtime, but the positive momentum I built each morning carried me through challenges with greater ease. Even when faced with difficulties, they no longer seemed insurmountable.

Taking control of my time and starting small not only helped me break the cycle of procrastination but also transformed the way I approach each day. Each morning now feels like a canvas, and every small act, a deliberate brushstroke toward something greater. It all begins with that first step—no matter how small—toward reclaiming your rhythm and painting a life of purpose.

Until next week,