There will always be emails
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This is an iHeart Podcast. Hey listeners, you know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty. If you're like me and prefer a less is more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less.

My favorite product has to be the minimalist. It's a two in one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss. I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze.

Head to MeritBeauty.com and get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. For clean, effortless, high-performing makeup, head to MeritBeauty.com. Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good morning. This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is that there will always be emails.

So don't spend all your time dealing with emails or clearing the decks in general. Instead, set your sails and get going in the direction of your goals, regardless of what still theoretically needs to get done. Today's tip, like another this week, comes from Oliver Berkman, who is the author of 4,000 Weeks. Berkman was a guest on Laurie Santos' podcast, The Happiness Lab.

where he noted that we are never going to be able to do things as perfectly as we can imagine them. There's always going to be too much to do. Perhaps it might be wise to admit that and, as he put it, develop the willingness to act and to really do the stuff that matters. Berkman points out that there is always more that feels like it needs to be done than we can do, an observation that's not new to anyone listening to this podcast. But Berkman's insight is what comes next.

He says that if you assume you're going to deal with all the things you think you need to do first and then get to the good stuff, you are going to end up spending your whole life clearing the decks and never getting there. He continues, the skill we're trying to develop is the willingness to act on the most important things now, even though the decks are not clear.

The underlying point here, he says, is there isn't this moment coming later when you're going to have all the time for the things that matter. And so, on some level, you have to claim that time in the present instead. I think this is wise. I have long advised against clearing the decks before you get to your real work. Fundamentally, the decks will never be clear. Instead, you can choose to get to your real work now.

So if you find yourself perpetually drawn into email, Slack, Teams, text, the news, and the administrative work that we feel we have to get done to keep everything running, check your assumptions. Don't assume that you need to clear the decks or that doing so is even possible. Do what matters most now anyway, even while the decks aren't completely clear. There will always be emails, could be a helpful phrase to say to yourself.

Whenever you think that you don't have time to reach out to that new client because your inbox is a mess, or write that novel because your inbox is a mess, or be present with a loved one or look at the sunset, remind yourself that there will always be emails. There will be emails if you don't look at the sunset, and there will be emails if you do. Probably you will be happier if you take a moment to take the world in. When we embrace this truth,

We stop trying to clear the decks for some illusory time in the future. Life won't be calm next week. Possibly, it won't be calm next year. If there is something you would like to do, best to get going. In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks for listening. And here's to making the most of our time. ♪

Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast. If you've got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach me at laura at lauravandercam.com. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartMedia. For more podcasts from iHeartMedia, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

Hey listeners, you know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty. If you're like me and prefer a less is more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less.

My favorite product has to be the minimalist. It's a two in one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss. I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze.

head to MeritBeauty.com and get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. For clean, effortless, high-performing makeup, head to MeritBeauty.com. Hey, listeners. We know you're all about making the most of your time. So why not turn your lunch break into a growth break with Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman. Every Tuesday, Ken sits down with top experts to explore the real questions that help you thrive at work and in life.

Questions like, what are the 10 best foods for your memory? Or how can you ask for the raise you want and actually get it? If you love thoughtful advice and smart strategies, check out Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman, wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart Podcast. ♪