Top Tip for Starting the Year Organised: The 10-Minute Daily Reset
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in almost a decade of helping business owners get their ducks in a row, it’s this: organisation isn’t about perfect planners or superhuman self-discipline. It’s about small, consistent habits that keep overwhelm at bay so you can show up calm, focused and in control.
One of my favourite ways to start the year (and keep it that way) is something I call the 10-Minute Daily Reset — a simple routine that only takes ten minutes, but hugely impacts your day.
Why It Works
Most of us wake up to mental clutter — emails buzzing, thoughts bouncing, and the day already threatening to run away with us. But ten focused minutes before you dive into your to-dos can set the tone for an organised, intentional and productive day.
This isn’t another complicated system or a to-do list that gets ignored. This is about resetting your mind and your space — fast.
Your 10-Minute Reset Routine
1. Clear Your Physical Space (2 mins)
Take two minutes and tidy the immediate area around you — desk, cup from last night’s brew, stray post-it notes. A clear space helps create a clear mind and makes it easier to focus on what matters.
Even a quick straighten-up can reduce stress and make your workspace feel welcoming.
2. One Page, One List (3 mins)
Grab a piece of paper or open a fresh digital note: write down just three things that must happen today. Not ten. Not seven. Three. Keep it realistic and focused — the sort of tasks that move the needle forward for you and your goals.
Why three? Because it keeps overwhelm out of the picture and gives you a sense of achievement when you tick them off.
3. Inbox Snapshot (2 mins)
Set a timer and gently scan your inbox. Flag or star only the items that require action today. Don’t respond yet — just prioritise. This stops your email from pulling you into reactive mode before you’ve even started your day.
4. One Positive Intention (1 min)
Before you get stuck into work, take a moment to set your intention. It could be something like:
Today I will work with purpose, not urgency.
I’ll focus on progress, not perfection.
I’ll show up for my clients with patience and clarity.
This step sounds small, but it shifts your mindset — and mindset is half the battle.
5. Breathe and Begin (2 mins)
Finish with two slow breaths: in through your nose, out through your mouth. Stand up, stretch, smile. You’re ready. You’ve set the groundwork for a day that works for you, not the other way round.
Pro Tips to Make It Stick
Do it at the same time each day. Whether it’s before breakfast or with your first cuppa, consistency creates momentum.
Keep it short. If it feels like it’s taking too long, you’ll skip it — and that’s where chaos creeps back in.
Celebrate small wins. Finishing even one of your three key tasks? That’s a win.
What You’ll Notice After a Week
By the end of seven days you’ll start to notice patterns:
Your priorities become clearer.
Your inbox feels less threatening.
Your mind feels less cluttered.
You feel ready to lead your day, not chase it.
Organisation isn’t a destination — it’s a daily choice. Give yourself those ten minutes, and you might just be amazed at how much smoother your year flows.
Here’s to a calmer, more organised you. 🧡
If you’d like more simple systems that make life (and business) feel more manageable, let’s explore them together!
