Many experts have written in the last few years about the effectiveness of triggers to forming habits.
I find it just as important to have anchors to my day – the things that I always do that help me see my day and get my work done in response to those anchors.
My anchors include a morning two-mile walk of my dog. Taking care of any dishes at lunchtime. Sitting at the end of the day and writing this blog.
These anchors organize my day. It’s easier to organize around the anchors, and to know how to organize my day to get done what needs to get done. Unlike triggers, my anchors don’t spur me to specific action. They simply provide a framework of known work, around which I can perform the rest of my responsibilities.