Start Your Tomorrow Today — The Subtle Trick I Learnt From My Mother

Summary

The article discusses the author's practice of preparing for the next day in advance, a habit learned from their mother.

Abstract

The author reflects on a lesson learned from their mother about the importance of preparing for the next day by completing tasks the night before. This practice, exemplified by brushing shoes and ironing uniforms for school, is presented as a strategy to save time and reduce decision-making the following day. The author emphasizes the value of this approach in their adult life, particularly during a challenging internship year in medical school, where it helped ensure adequate sleep. The article suggests that by planning and executing tasks for tomorrow today, one can make more efficient use of time.

Opinions

The author values the efficiency and peace of mind gained from preparing for tomorrow in advance.
Preparing the night before is seen as a way to bypass decision-making delays and manage time effectively.
The concept of "borrowing tomorrow's time today" is advocated as a method to have more time available the next day.
The practice is not only applicable to professional life but also to personal routines, such as writing.
The author believes this subtle trick is particularly useful during periods of high stress and limited time, such as a medical internship.

In hindsight, it all made sense

Ise go wuoche rangi?

My mother barked.

Translated, it goes:

Have you brushed your shoes?

That was over 20 years ago.

She always insisted I brush my shoes the night before a school day. Additionally, I needed to have my school uniform ironed and ready.

She ensured I got ready for tomorrow today.

By starting your tomorrow today, you bypass the delays of decision-making tomorrow.

Time is precious. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

It’s a trick I’ve found extremely useful. It helped me get enough sleep during my internship year — the year after medical school where sleep is the most deprived aspect of your life.

In writing as in my other routines, I plan tomorrow today.

Borrow tomorrow’s time today, to have more time tomorrow.

Start Your Tomorrow Today — The Subtle Trick I Learnt From My Mother

In hindsight, it all made sense

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