Removing mental friction

When possible, remove mental friction from things you (want to) do regularly, no matter how small. This may mean leaving work materials out, so you can avoid having to setup your workspace each time. Or, this may mean creating templates, so you can skip writing boilerplate code before getting started. Even small improvements can make a big difference in your ability to be productive and creative.

Don't be complacent. Especially when something is new, take advantage of your fresh perspective and note what feels awkward because eventually you'll subconsciously start to avoid doing those tasks. Try to find ways to remove these instances of mental friction before they become the norm. Instead, take it as a challenge to think of new workflows that will make it easier for you to get more done and to be happier in the process.