# Self-Management Principles 🎯 Related: - [[after-hours-to-do]] - [[time-management-system]] - [[daily-schedule]] The price tag on skills is time; Developing skills requires patience and focus; The first step to achieving a massive dream is conquering tiny impulses. The following principles attempt to cut out distractions and maximize deep work: 1. The [[morning-routine]] should be completed first thing. 2. Get dressed and ready for the day and then work. 3. Do not open my phone, check notifications, text anyone, or otherwise use my phone without a reasonable cause until breakfast to promote deep work. A reasonable cause, in this case, means I _cannot_ do it after breakfast. 4. I will spend all waking hours after the morning routine and before breakfast at my desk. The goal is to achieve a flow state of deep work on a project (ref [[how-to-learn]]). . I can choose not to work on a project—I can sit at my desk staring into nothingness—but I will not let myself do another task. 5. My phone will be on grayscale unless there is reasonable cause. For example, if some task requires it. 6. [[daily-schedule]] alarms can be snoozed once, maximum, to stay on schedule. 7. No phones in the bathroom without reasonable cause. Reasonable cause, in this case, means there is a genuine need to multitask. 8. YouTube should be used only for news; nothing specialized unless related to a development problem—no browsing. If alone, whitelisted YouTube channels may be watched over meals, but each session should not exceed 30 minutes (set Time Timer). If I see something interesting that aligns with my [[goals]]. , add it to Watch Later to explore over the weekend. Zero exceptions. YouTube whitelist: 9. Alex Hormozi (Business); avg vid len = ~10 mins 10. Fireship (Tech); avg Code Report len = ~5 mins  11. ClearValue Tax (Finance); avg vid len = ~12 mins 12. YouTube does not get watched without Time Timer. 13. No phone use after night—second astronomical twilight end, or about 9 pm this time of year—without a reasonable cause. A reasonable cause, in this case, means I can't do it tomorrow. If I can do it tomorrow, it goes on an index card or my red notebook to be ported to [[after-hours-to-do]]. the next day. If I must do something after night, grayscale should be activated, and brightness should be minimal. 14. If reasonable cause is gray, then defer to Sophia. #timemanagement ## **Agile**  Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, are ideal for complex, dynamic projects requiring rapid adaptability to changing requirements. Agile breaks down projects into manageable iterations or sprints, enabling teams to adapt to changes and incorporate early feedback swiftly. You would choose Agile if your project involves uncertain or evolving requirements and you value flexibility, frequent feedback, and close team collaboration.