1. i walk on every occasion. it helps me clear my head or spark ideas when i need them.

2. i use a pencil and an unruled diary for clear thinking.

3. i sleep 8 hours a day—if i’m late to bed, that does not mean i’ll wake up late and start my day late.

4. i read a page or two of a book or do a 10-minute morning stretch (push-ups, squats) after waking up. it helps me prepare to focus.

5. i take a cold shower every morning—that’s when i start to get into the flow state. my clothes are all the same, so i don’t have to think about what to wear. i slowly dive into the flow state of the day as i put on my fresh socks, fold my pants, wear my black analog watch, and put on my glasses (i use two pairs of glasses—if you see me wearing the black ones, i’m in the mood to get shit done).

6. i keep 3.5 hours of focus time blocked on my calendar to do the work i’ve already prepared in my mind while taking a walk, doodling in my diary, or taking a shower. the focus block is scheduled about an hour after waking up, and that’s when i have caffeine—a medium iced pour-over. (if you see me drinking a citrus or lemon cold brew, i’m having a good time.) i usually spend my focus time sitting in a quiet place or at a café with headphones if i’m travelling.

7. i avoid heavy meals in the morning, usually just a banana or an orange before coffee. during the week, i eat two light meals (1:30pm and 5:30pm): single-ingredient whole foods, protein, vegetables, zero decision fatigue.

8. until 2pm, it’s only me—no phone, no meetings. if my phone rings, it’s an important call or notification.

9. i prefer action over motion at the start of the day, and it feels like play because i’m always productive when i’m doing what i love. i don’t do what i don’t love, and doing more of what i love keeps me productive and on track. if i’m not focused or feel burnt out, i do something i love that isn’t part of my work.

10. my digital consumption is always optimized for my pursuits. i consume mostly through reading—but not excessively—books, newsletters, podcasts, and my favourite: people.

11. my average screen time on my phone is 1 hour per day. during that time, i spend 20–30 minutes on twitter, 20 minutes on email or safari reading tabs, and i try to keep synchronised chat on my phone to a minimum.

12. i avoid meta products, including whatsapp, and like to spend time with people who inspire me or whom i inspire.

13. i prefer in-person communication and email as the best ways to communicate. i love writing and receiving emails. some of my closest friends were strangers i decided to message on a whim. email is the best way to reach me or get something done by me.

14. i do distributed living, like a slow nomad. i don’t buy things i can’t carry, and i stay in hostels, hacker houses, and airbnbs—as long as it’s productive for me. sometimes i stay with family once or twice a year when i’m not on a sprint.

—the most relatable post about productivity i’ve found is this: https://blog.samaltman.com/productivity