Get Things Done

We’ve all been there—staring at a to-do list that seems endless, avoiding the nagging feeling of unproductive days, or wondering where to start. If you’ve been spinning in loops of indecision, this guide will break you free.

The flowchart below is a deceptively simple yet powerful tool to eliminate procrastination, clarify priorities, and get things done, one decision at a time.

Get things done

Trust me. You’ll want to print this out. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Start Here

The flowchart starts with a single question:

“Is something on your calendar right now?”

• If yes → Do that thing until it’s done.

• If no → Keep moving through the system.

The brilliance here is that if you’ve already scheduled it, the choice is removed. No overthinking. Just execute.

Step 2: Check Your Reminders

If you’re calendar-free, it’s time to check your reminders.

• Something there? Do or defer it immediately.

• Nothing there? Let’s go to your to-do list.

Step 3: Look at Your To-Do List

This is where most people get stuck. You stare at the list, panic a little, and close the app. The chart cuts through this paralysis with precision:

1. Find the first item on your list.

2. Ask: “Have you deferred it already?”

• If yes, stop the loop—just do it (for crying out loud).

• If no, it’s time to come up with an action to move the task forward.

The key here is forward motion. No task is too small to take some action.

Step 4: Move Tasks Forward

Now you’ve identified a next step. The question becomes:

“When should I do it?”

You have two choices:

1. Specific Day + Time → Put it on your calendar.

2. Anytime → Put it in your reminders or back in your to-do list.

This removes ambiguity and ensures the task doesn’t float endlessly in “someday” limbo.

Step 5: Look at Active Projects

If your to-do list is empty, take a look at your 1st active project:

• Is it still relevant?

• If yes, great—move the project forward.

• If no, archive it and move on.

Projects that no longer serve you are clutter. Let them go.

If you have no active projects, congratulations! You’re starting fresh. It’s time to create a new project and get excited about what’s next.

Key Takeaways from This System

1. Decisions are Binary: This chart removes ambiguity. It breaks every moment of indecision into clear “yes” or “no” questions.

2. Action Over Perfection: The system focuses on moving tasks forward, not getting stuck on perfect timing or ideal conditions.

3. Eliminate Clutter: If tasks or projects aren’t relevant anymore, you archive them—freeing up mental and emotional space.

4. Build Systems, Not Just Lists: By integrating calendars, reminders, and to-do lists, this method turns your workflow into a seamless system.

How to Use It

1. Print out the flowchart and keep it visible—on your desk, fridge, or workspace.

2. When you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what to do next, start at the top.

3. Let the system guide you to clarity and action

Productivity doesn’t need to be complicated. This flowchart combines simplicity with laser focus, allowing you to cut through procrastination and overwhelm.

Trust the system. Trust yourself. Start anywhere—and take the next step.

Print this out. Trust me.

Ambrosial hours

Have you ever woken up between 3 AM and 5 AM, only to find yourself enveloped in an inexplicable calm? These are the ambrosial hours, also known as Brahma Muhurta—those precious moments before the world is fully awake, revered across cultures as a time when the barrier between the physical and spiritual realms seems to soften. It’s said that during these hours, intuition sharpens, creativity blossoms, and a deeper connection with the divine is within reach.

Ambrosial hours

Why the Ambrosial Hours Hold Magic

I remember a conversation I once had with an old mentor who was deeply spiritual. “The silence at dawn,” he said, “whispers truths that the noise of the day drowns out.” He spoke of how, in those early hours, the electromagnetic cacophony that fills our modern world quiets down, offering a rare opportunity to listen—not just to the sounds around us, but to the whispers within.

Science and Spirituality Collide

Studies indicate that our brainwave patterns shift naturally during these hours. The brain drifts into a state where alpha and theta waves, associated with deep meditation and creativity, are more prominent. Ancient texts from different cultures, from Vedic scriptures to monastic Christian teachings, echo this idea. They mark this time as sacred—a window for prayer, meditation, or any practice that feeds the soul.

How to Make the Most of the Ambrosial Hours

I used to think waking up early was only for productivity hacks or rigorous schedules, but that perception changed after a quiet morning a few years ago. I woke up unexpectedly at 4:15 AM and, instead of going back to sleep, I sat by the window, breathing in the stillness. There was something profound in the solitude; it felt as if the universe was leaning in to listen.

Practices to Consider

  • Mindful Meditation and Journaling: Use this time to anchor yourself. Breathe deeply, let your thoughts flow without resistance, and write down whatever comes to mind. The clarity at this hour is unparalleled.
  • Set Intentions: I recall reading a quote from the poet Rumi: “The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.” Visualize your day, set your intentions, and allow this quiet power to infuse your goals.
  • Creative Expression: Whether you write, paint, or play an instrument, let these moments of heightened energy guide you. One morning, I found myself sketching out an idea for a project that had eluded me for weeks—the breakthrough came as if from nowhere.
  • Spiritual Practices: Engage in prayer, chanting, or read a passage from a sacred text. You might find that words resonate more deeply in the early dawn, as if carried by the stillness itself.

Embracing Your Role as Creator

One lesson I’ve learned through this practice is the empowering realization that I am not just an observer of my life but its creator. By intentionally tapping into these sacred hours, you align with the flow of the universe. As my mentor used to say, “When you meet the morning with intention, the universe responds in kind.”

Building Your Ambrosial Routine

Start small. Set your alarm for just 15 minutes earlier than usual. Here’s what I found helpful:

  • Prepare Your Space: Keep a cozy blanket, a journal, or your favorite spiritual book nearby.
  • A Gentle Awakening: Invest in a soft alarm or use a gradual light to wake up without jarring your senses.
  • Mindful Rising: Before you rush to start your day, take a moment to sit at the edge of your bed, close your eyes, and breathe. Ground yourself in the silence.
  • Relish the Quiet: In these moments, reflection flows easily. Sometimes, the answers you seek during the chaos of the day reveal themselves in the tranquility of pre-dawn.

The Transformation Awaits

The ambrosial hours are not just a time on the clock; they’re an invitation to connect deeply with yourself and the universe. Embrace these moments and watch as your inner world transforms—bringing clarity, inspiration, and a profound sense of peace that echoes through the rest of your day.