The Clarity Reset — How to Start Your Monday Without the Overwhelm

A simple weekly ritual to stop chasing and start choosing

"It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?"— Henry David Thoreau

Most people think a productive week starts with a to-do list as long as the Great Wall of China.

But what if the real secret isn’t doing more... it’s doing less — on purpose?

Let me take you back to a Monday morning at Big City Coffee in Boise, Idaho — a spot locals loved for its giant scones and bustling, friendly energy.

(Though the café has since closed its doors, its spirit lives on in Boise’s collective memory and online shop.)

I was there to meet John, a friend who runs a thriving design agency. His calendar looked like a game of Tetris gone wrong — meetings stacked on meetings, tasks crammed into every slot.

But when I arrived, John was calmly sipping coffee, notebook closed, gazing out the window like he had all the time in the world.

Curious, I asked, “How are you so calm? Don’t you have a million things to do?”

He smiled.

“I only have one thing to do right now: figure out what actually matters this week.”

Instead of diving into the chaos, John had a ritual. Every Monday, before touching his inbox or opening Slack, he’d spend 20 quiet minutes in what he called his Clarity Reset — no distractions, no multitasking, just a blank page and a single question:

What will make this week a win?

The Clarity Reset Method

Pause Before the Storm

Don’t dive into Monday. Sit still for 20 minutes — yes, just 20 — and ask yourself:

• What is the ONE thing that, if accomplished, would make this week a success?

• What distractions or busywork can I ignore or delegate?

• Where do I want to feel proud by Friday?

Write It Down, Ruthlessly

On a single sheet of paper, write your answers. Limit yourself to three priorities. Anything beyond that is noise.

Set an Intention, Not Just a List

Skip the task dump. Instead, write a sentence like:

This week, I’ll finish the client proposal and have dinner with my family three times.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being clear.

Review and Adjust Midweek

Check in on Wednesday. Are you on track? If not, reset. Don’t just add more.

Why It Works (Even If You’re Skeptical)

The human brain craves clarity. When you begin the week with intention, you filter out the noise and direct your energy where it counts.

John’s agency grew 30% the year he started his Clarity Reset — not because he hustled harder, but because he focused better.

I tried it myself. That first Monday, I skipped email, sat with my coffee, and scribbled down my three priorities. By Friday, I’d knocked out the one project that had been haunting me for weeks. The rest? It could wait.

How to Use It in Real Life

At Work

Before your Monday team meeting, have everyone share their top priority for the week. Watch how meetings shrink and results grow.

At Home

Use the Clarity Reset to set personal intentions like:

This week, I’ll call my mom and go for two runs.

You’ll notice the week feels more meaningful — not just busy.

Quick Questions to Reset Your Week

• What would make this week a win for me?

• What can I let go of that’s just noise?

• Where do I want to feel proud by Friday?

• If I could only accomplish ONE thing, what would it be?

The Final Sip

The most productive people aren’t the busiest — they’re the clearest.

So here’s your challenge: Before next Monday hits, block out 20 minutes. No phone, no inbox. Just you, a cup of coffee, and one bold question:

What actually matters this week?

Because clarity isn’t a luxury — it’s your secret weapon.