A five-minute start that sets the day: a 7-minute step-by-step plan
Short answer: Make it small and do it in order. 1) clear the desk, 2) water on the desk, 3) write top three, then keep going one step at a time. Most people are done in about 7 minutes.
Why this feels hard
You sit down and jump straight into reactive work. It’s really common, especially for busy workers. The fix isn’t more willpower; it’s making the next step small and obvious.
Step by step
- Clear the desk · about 1 min
- Water on the desk · about 1 min
- Write top three · about 2 min
- Close all tabs · about 1 min
- Choose one intention for today · about 2 min
What you’ll have at the end
A five-minute start that sets the day.
Five-Minute Desk Start
The Five-Minute Desk Start app walks you through these steps one at a time, with a timer, reminders and your streak. Works on any phone.
Get the app · $4.99/month
Questions
What’s the easiest way to get to “a five-minute start that sets the day”?
Make it small and do it in order. 1) clear the desk, 2) water on the desk, 3) write top three, then keep going one step at a time. Most people are done in about 7 minutes.
How long does it take?
About 7 minutes if you follow the steps in order. You can stop after any step and still count it as progress.
Is there an app for this?
Yes: Five-Minute Desk Start from SlowMonday guides you through it step by step on your phone, with a timer and reminders.
More free guides
Written by the SlowMonday team. Updated September 2026.