Mementum

When I was in high school, I used (what I thought was) a special study technique the day of crucial tests, especially where memorization was key.

I’d (usually) study hard a night or two before, but when success was supremely crucial, I always blocked out extra time the morning before the test for 1 more run through. For me, this was stunningly successful, and worth the blurry eyes and anvil-feeling head. Should’ve used it more in college.

It took me a while to realize the obvious: mornings are my most creative and otherwise mentally powerful part of the day.

Each person has, and should probably determine, their own rhythm through the day. Playing to your individual rhythm is a key path to your most efficient and successful output.

During my initial copywriting days at MindValley, I found myself dragging on my 1st major assignment and couldn’t figure out why. The reason, I eventually discovered, was the early hours I “wasted” on studying.

I was so intent on success I took a literal interpretation of the “study – apply” philosophy. 

Bad move.

I was INputting during my best OUTputting hours. 

Instead of studying for 1+ hours in the morning and writing in the afternoon, I switched it around. I’d study at night and write down crucial notes to review the next morning. Doing it this way, I still began the day with ideas, but did so in 15 minutes versus 60 – 75.

And I had my best hours to do my most bottom-line critical work. I made sure meetings were after lunch, when my creative output starts to drop.

As a result, I set a new revenue record for my project that month.

Have you thought about your optimal schedule? How can you most quickly fire up your mental magic? What needs to be done the night before to get started quickly the next day?

Just like knowing who to learn from when, I think knowing what to do when is one of the separations between those that succeed and those that struggle.