Productivity Tip:

Create Small Frictions

You’ve heard about removing those tiny frictions that stop you from getting things done. Think creating shortcuts, removing clutter, or minimizing decisions. But what about introducing tiny frictions as a path to productivity? 

Sounds contradictory, but here’s how it works: use friction to your advantage by making distractions harder to indulge in. Some examples:

• Log out of social media so you have to sign back in to use it.
• Move distraction apps off your home screen or bury them in folders.
• Put the TV remote in a drawer instead of on the coffee table.
• Remove saved passwords for distracting sites so logging in takes effort.
• Keep snacks out of sight or in harder-to-reach places so you don’t mindlessly grab them while working.

Even tiny barriers can interrupt automatic habits and give you a moment to decide whether the distraction is worth it. What small friction could you introduce today to protect your focus?

Routine Breakdown

Sarah Gallucci, Author, Speaker, Professor & Single Mother

How an Author and Single Mom Starts Her Day Right

With just four simple steps, Sarah Gallucci’s morning routine doesn’t take hours – but it does set her for a positive day. Here’s how she rolls after jumping out of bed each morning.

The Routine:

• Drinks warm lemon water before anything else. “My mother has instilled this habit in me from when I was a young girl. It ensures hydration before coffee or tea, and it’s comforting physically and emotionally.”
• Journals for at least 5 minutes. “I have kept a diary since I was a young girl. Journaling first thing in the morning helps with deciphering dreams, dumps anything urgent on the mind so you can get it out of yourself before the day ahead, and helps you plan your priorities for the day.”
• Does at least 30 mins of stretching and strengthening exercises. “I suffered a back injury a few months ago, and am working with a trainer through the app Trainerize, so I don’t have to go to a clinical physical therapy facility. It’s done from the comfort of my home and on my schedule.”
• Walks outside (no matter the weather!). “Every day I try to walk at least once for 30 minutes. Often I meditate using the To Be Magnetic app, sometimes I simply notice nature and be bored so ideas come to me for writing. Or I’m voicenoting my girlfriends to catch up!”

Why it works:

• Sarah’s mom has a point: lemon water aids digestion, helps keep you hydrated, and gives you a vitamin C boost. 
• Journaling really is incredible for mental health. 
• Stretching keeps muscles strong, flexible, and healthy. Using an app for training is a smart way to get professional support without having to leave home. 
• Walking alone is great for health, but layering in some meditation or mind-wandering is genius. Meditation lowers stress, enhances self-awareness, and more, while mind-wandering boosts creativity. 

Pop quiz: What are three activities you can add to your routine that give you big benefits in 5 minutes or less? 🤔

Some answers: meditation, journaling, walking, deep breathing, stretching, sunlight exposure, chatting with your bestie… If you said any of the above, you were right! The list is long: think about one quick activity that could benefit you, and give it a try tomorrow!