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Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it.

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📈 The 5-Minute Morning Habit That Changed My Productivity

If there’s one habit that’s quietly transformed my productivity and peace of mind, it’s this: a quick, focused review of my day before I do anything else. I call it my “5-minute review,” and I genuinely believe it’s one of the most important habits you can build—no matter what your goals are.

Let’s be honest: most of us start our days in a rush. We check our phones, glance at email, maybe scroll through social media, and then dive headfirst into whatever feels most urgent. Before we know it, the day’s half over, and our most important work is still waiting for us.

I used to fall into this trap all the time. I’d wake up with good intentions, but by the end of the day, I’d realize I’d spent most of my energy reacting to other people’s requests, putting out fires, or getting lost in busywork. The big, meaningful projects—the ones that actually move the needle—kept getting pushed aside.

That’s why I started doing a 5-minute review every morning. And you know what? It truly changed my productivity and outlook on life.

What Exactly Is a 5-Minute Review?

A 5-minute review is exactly what it sounds like: a short, intentional pause at the start of your day to look over your tasks, appointments, and priorities. It’s not about planning your entire week or making a massive to-do list. It’s about getting clear on what matters most—today—and making sure your actions align with your goals.

And here’s the secret: it doesn’t even have to take five full minutes. These days, my review often takes just two or three minutes. The point isn’t the length of time—it’s the habit of checking in with yourself and your priorities before the chaos of the day takes over.

My Personal 5-Minute Review Routine

Here’s exactly what I do each morning:

1. Wake up and open my Todoist app. I’ve been a fan of Todoist for years. It’s where I capture every project, task, and idea that comes to mind. By the time I wake up, my Todoist is already organized into projects, deadlines, and priorities.
   

2. Identify my MITs (Most Important Tasks). This is a concept I talk about a lot (and you can read more about it here). My MITs are the 1–3 tasks that will have the biggest impact on my goals. I quickly scan my task list and calendar, then mentally block out time for these MITs. These are non-negotiable—if nothing else gets done, these will.
   

3. Review my calendar for appointments and meetings.  I look at any time-specific commitments—meetings, calls, deadlines—and make sure they’re blocked out. This helps me see where the “gaps” are in my day for focused work.
   

4. Leave space for future projects.  After my MITs and appointments, I look at what’s coming up in the next few days or weeks. I’ll note if there’s a project I need to start making progress on, even if it’s just a small step today. (As an example, I’m currently working on those faceless videos. So I always leave time every day to tinker on these projects.)

That’s it. The whole process takes less than five minutes, but it sets the tone for my entire day.

Why Build This Simple Habit?

You might be wondering: does something this simple really make a difference? The answer, in my experience (and in the research), is a resounding yes.

Here’s why a 5-minute daily review is so powerful:

● Enhanced focus and clarity: Taking a few moments to review your day helps you pinpoint what actually matters. It’s easy to get lost in busywork, but a quick review forces you to ask, “What’s truly important today?”

● Increased productivity: By identifying your MITs and prioritizing high-impact tasks, you maximize your productivity. You’re not just doing more—you’re doing what matters.

● Reduced stress and overwhelm: Procrastination often comes from feeling overwhelmed. When you break your day into manageable pieces and focus on your top priorities, you eliminate that sense of chaos.

● Alignment with your long-term goals: By consistently reviewing your day, you make sure your actions align with your biggest goals—not just what feels urgent in the moment.

How to Start Your Own 5-Minute Review

If you want to try this for yourself, here’s a simple 3-step process to get started:

Step 1: Choose a Consistent Time

Pick a time that works for you—first thing in the morning, after breakfast, or as soon as you arrive at work. The key is consistency. Set a reminder or alarm if you need to. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

During your review, take a look at your calendar, task list, or planner. Ask yourself:

● What appointments or meetings require me to be somewhere at a set time?

● Are there any urgent emails or messages that need my immediate attention?

● What are my MITs for today—the tasks that will have the biggest impact?

● Is there an activity that could take longer than expected? How will I adjust if it does?

● What are the 80/20 tasks (the few things that drive most of my results)?

● How does each task relate to my bigger goals for the quarter or year?

● Is there a challenging task I’ve been avoiding that I should tackle first?

You don’t have to ask all these questions every day—just use them as a guide to focus your review.

Step 3: Adjust and Commit

Once you’ve reviewed your day, take a moment to adjust your plan as needed. Maybe you need to move a meeting, delegate a task, or block out more time for focused work. The goal is to leave your review with a clear plan and a sense of control.

Beating Procrastination—One Review at a Time

Let’s face it: procrastination is a universal struggle. It sneaks in as busywork, distractions, or endless “research.” But the antidote is simple: clarity. When you know exactly what matters and when you’ll do it, you’re far less likely to put it off.

That’s why a 5-minute review is so effective. It’s a daily check-in that keeps you honest about your priorities. It also helps you spot potential roadblocks—before they derail your day.

The Power of the 80/20 Rule

One of the biggest benefits of this habit is how it helps you apply the 80/20 rule (the Pareto Principle). This principle says that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. When you use your daily review to identify those high-impact tasks, you make sure your energy goes where it counts.

If you want to dig deeper into the 80/20 rule and how it can supercharge your motivation, I recommend checking out this video I made on the topic:

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent

Here’s what I love about the 5-minute review: it’s simple, flexible, and incredibly effective. You don’t need a fancy planner or a complicated system. You just need a few minutes, a list of your tasks, and a willingness to ask yourself what really matters.

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Some days, you’ll only have a minute or two. Other days, you might spend a bit longer thinking things through. The key is to make it a habit—something you do every day, no matter what.

Over time, you’ll notice a subtle but powerful shift. You’ll feel more focused, less overwhelmed, and more in control of your day. And you’ll make steady, meaningful progress on the projects and goals that matter most to you.

Give it a try tomorrow morning. Set aside five minutes (or even just two) to review your day before you dive in. I think you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.

Here’s to building better habits—one day at a time.

Talk soon,

Steve

📺 Featured Video

Today’s featured video covers 5 powerful lessons from Outlive by Peter Attia. If you’re interested in practical, science-backed strategies for living a longer and healthier life, you won’t want to miss these insights. Check it out to learn how small changes today can help you thrive for years to come!

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