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Positively_Lisa

The 10-minute reset that changes everything

Published about 11 hours ago • 2 min read

Reader

Have you ever sat down to start your day and immediately felt behind, not because anything new happened, but because yesterday was still waiting for you?

It's incredibly frustrating to have to do work before the work. And it's one of the quieter drains on your energy and focus. You haven't even started yet, and you're already tired.

The good news: a simple reset habit can change this entirely.

It's called Back to Neutral. The idea is straightforward: at the end of your day, you reset your workspace to a workable starting point so that when you return, you can simply begin.

I've coached this habit with many clients over the years, and the response is almost always the same: surprise at how much a ten-minute reset changes how the next day feels.

If you want to try it, here are a few ways to make it work:

Clear the mental load before it follows you home with a physical reset: file the papers, clear the surfaces, return things to where they belong. Your space doesn't need to be spotless, it just needs to be workable.

Stop losing time searching for what you need with a digital reset: close the tabs you don't need, process your inbox or capture tool, and make sure what you need tomorrow is actually findable. Open browser tabs are visual open loops that pull on your attention even when you're not looking at them.

Walk in tomorrow already knowing where to start with a written reset: update your to-do list, close out what's done, and leave yourself a one-line bookmark: exactly where you're picking up next time.

BONUS: if the clutter isn't on your desk but in your head (e.g., a backlog of tasks, worries, half-formed thoughts) a Mind Sweep is the companion practice that handles that layer. You can find my Guided Mind Sweep Package, including a guided audio and workbook, at positivelyproductive.com/resources or hit reply and I'll send it your way.

This week's Podcast episode walks through the full Back to Neutral concept, including the science behind why it works and a real client story that shows just how quickly it can shift things.

Check out Episode #325 of the Positively Living® Podcast:

>> Listen to the podcast here​

>> Read the blog post here​

Your future self is waiting. Give them somewhere good to begin.

♥

Lisa

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Positively_Lisa

Productivity Coach + Podcast Host | Shame-free, Sustainable Solutions

I’m Lisa Zawrotny, a Productivity Coach, host of the Positively Living® Podcast, and founder of Positively Productive Systems, on a mission to redefine productivity with compassion. I help overwhelmed clients ditch hustle culture and design shame-free, personalized systems that lead to sustainable success—without burnout or sacrificing what they love. I believe productivity is meant to support a more satisfying, joy-filled life. For me, that means road-tripping with my husband and teens, making music with my family and friends, and inspiring others with my voice. One of my favorite ways to recharge is curling up with a book, an iced coffee, and a cat on my lap. ------------------------------------------- Check out the resources I offer below and request my Toolkit to reduce overwhelm, boost energy, and align your actions with your values!

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