Clara Voss's AI Blog

When I first picked up Organize Tomorrow Today by Jason Selk and Tom Bartow, I was expecting to find a few helpful tips on planning my day better. Instead, I discovered a book that radically changed my approach to productivity and profoundly impacted my life. This book taught me not just how to organize my tasks, but how to reframe my mindset, build momentum, and align my actions with my goals. It’s incredible to think that a few straightforward concepts could so thoroughly transform my daily life.

Here’s how Organize Tomorrow Today became a cornerstone of my productivity journey.

The Surprising Power of Planning Tomorrow, Today

The book’s main idea is deceptively simple: at the end of each day, plan out what you’ll do the next day. While I had heard similar advice before, Selk and Bartow’s approach was different because it emphasized identifying one crucial priority—the “one thing” that, if accomplished, would make the day feel successful. This focus helped me filter out distractions and give attention to what truly mattered.

I started setting aside five minutes each evening to decide on my top priority for the next day. At first, it felt strange because I was used to listing all my tasks and filling my days with multiple goals. But choosing just one main priority pushed me to think critically about what mattered most and encouraged me to make that task non-negotiable. This one change made me more productive because I was no longer overwhelmed by an endless list; I had a single goal to work toward each day. It also gave me a sense of accomplishment early on, which fueled my motivation for the rest of the day.

Rewiring My Brain for Success

One of the most insightful parts of Organize Tomorrow Today is its focus on mental training. Selk and Bartow believe that high achievers succeed not only because of what they do but because of how they think. Their concept of “Win the Fight” spoke to me, teaching me to identify and tackle the small mental battles we all face daily.

Each time I encountered self-doubt or resistance to starting a task, I remembered the principle of “Win the Fight.” Instead of getting discouraged, I practiced visualizing myself completing the task successfully. If I started feeling anxious, I took a deep breath, reminded myself of my past successes, and focused on my goal. This mental shift helped me develop resilience and confidence in my abilities. Slowly but surely, I saw my productivity improve because I was no longer bogged down by negative thoughts or mental barriers.

The Rule of Three: Simple Yet Transformative

Another cornerstone of the book is the “Rule of Three,” which encourages focusing on just three main goals or priorities each day. I found that by committing to three specific goals, I could effectively structure my time and energy without feeling overwhelmed. Often, two of my daily goals were work-related, while the third was a personal or health-related goal, which added a balance to my days.

Applying the Rule of Three was transformative. It taught me to value quality over quantity. I could easily focus on a manageable number of goals instead of feeling stretched thin. My productivity skyrocketed, and my stress decreased, as I was no longer running around trying to do everything at once. This new approach also helped me create healthier habits because I finally had room in my day to prioritize exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.

Building the Habit of Winning: Small Victories Lead to Big Wins

One of my favorite concepts from Organize Tomorrow Today is “Winning the First Victory of the Day.” It’s the idea that starting your day with a win—no matter how small—builds momentum for the rest of the day. I realized that something as simple as making my bed, doing a five-minute meditation, or completing my first task could set a positive tone.

I started treating the first 30 minutes of my day as sacred time. Instead of diving into my email or social media, I spent this time completing a small win. For me, it could be anything from a quick morning workout to reviewing my goals or taking a few moments for gratitude. This shift created a domino effect; the early win energized me and made me more productive. I found that after winning my first battle, I was ready to tackle larger challenges.

The Power of Visualization and the “See It, Feel It, Do It” Principle

Selk and Bartow emphasize the power of visualization to reinforce goals. Their “See It, Feel It, Do It” technique encourages visualizing success and fully immersing oneself in the positive feelings associated with achieving a goal. This approach was new to me, but I decided to give it a try.

Every morning, I took a minute to visualize myself completing my main priority for the day, imagining how I’d feel once it was done. At first, I thought it might feel silly, but instead, I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. Visualizing success helped me focus, and when I encountered obstacles, I’d remind myself of that positive feeling. It was incredibly empowering, and it helped me push through challenging tasks with more determination.

Managing Distractions and Staying on Track

Before reading Organize Tomorrow Today, I struggled with distractions. Whether it was social media, emails, or minor tasks that didn’t contribute to my main goals, distractions were a huge productivity drain. The book taught me the importance of discipline and the need to create a “distraction-free” time for my top priorities.

I started setting clear boundaries for myself: turning off notifications, using time-blocking techniques, and even using apps to limit my access to certain websites during work hours. This helped me stay on track, and I was amazed at how much I could accomplish when I wasn’t constantly interrupted. The structure I created not only improved my work life but also my personal life. I now had more time to relax and recharge, which further fueled my productivity.

Developing a Winning Streak with Consistency

One of the key takeaways from the book was the importance of consistency. Selk and Bartow emphasize that success is not about big, one-time actions but about the accumulation of small, consistent efforts over time. This concept inspired me to adopt the habit of showing up every day, even if I could only make small progress.

Instead of overloading myself with ambitious plans, I focused on steady, incremental progress. By doing just a bit each day—whether it was working on a project, exercising, or developing a skill—I started to build a “winning streak.” Each day’s success built on the last, creating a compounding effect that led to significant results. I realized that productivity wasn’t about having bursts of energy or inspiration but about showing up and putting in the work consistently.

Embracing the Mindset of a Champion

Organize Tomorrow Today left me with a lasting mindset shift. I realized that high performance and productivity aren’t reserved for a select few; they’re accessible to anyone willing to adopt the right mindset and habits. This realization was incredibly freeing. I now approach each day with a sense of purpose, confidence, and excitement, knowing that I have the tools to make it productive.

By applying these principles, I not only saw improvements in my work but also found myself more present and engaged in my personal life. I became more intentional, focused, and aware of how I spent my time and energy.

Conclusion

Organize Tomorrow Today isn’t just a book about productivity; it’s a guide to cultivating habits and a mindset that lead to a fulfilling life. This book helped me understand that productivity is about aligning actions with values, staying focused on what matters, and making consistent progress each day.

If you’re looking to reshape your approach to productivity, I can’t recommend Organize Tomorrow Today enough. It’s more than a list of strategies—it’s a roadmap for building a life that’s purposeful, balanced, and truly productive.