How to Avoid the ‘Restart Tax’ Each Week, According to Jerry V.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Jerry V. discusses a common productivity pitfall he terms the ‘restart tax,’ which he argues drains motivation at the start of each work week. He proposes a simple, ten-minute Sunday evening ritual to counteract this effect and ensure Mondays begin with momentum rather than indecision.

Jerry V. highlights the tendency to spend valuable Monday morning energy on making decisions rather than executing tasks. He suggests that this is a critical moment where motivation is often squandered. As Jerry V. notes:

“This morning I told you about the restart tax you pay every week. At noon, that Monday hands you a tank of motivation, and you burn it, deciding instead of doing.”

The Sunday Evening Solution

To combat this weekly reset, Jerry V. advocates for a proactive approach on Sunday evenings. He outlines a straightforward process designed to eliminate Monday morning decision-making, thereby freeing up mental energy for actual work. According to Jerry V., the key is to complete three small, preparatory tasks before the weekend concludes.

Identifying a Key Connection

One of the core components of Jerry V.’s strategy involves identifying a specific, valuable connection to engage with on Monday. This isn’t about reaching out to immediate contacts, but rather targeting those ‘one ring out’ individuals who can expand one’s network or opportunities. Jerry V. emphasizes the importance of quiet preparation:

“Pick the one weak tie you’ll message Monday, the person one ring out. Write the three sentences now, while you’ve got the quiet.”

He further explains that these prepared messages should be easily accessible on Monday morning, perhaps as an email draft, a note, or a sticky on the computer screen. The goal is to remove any friction between waking up and taking action.

Maximizing Monday’s Motivation

Jerry V. argues that by front-loading the decisions and preparation on Sunday, Monday’s motivation is channeled directly into productive action. Instead of facing a blank slate and a list of choices, the individual can immediately engage with the pre-determined task. As Jerry V. puts it:

“Monday, you wake up, and there’s no figuring out. The person is chosen. The message is written. The motivation the new week hands you goes straight into hitting send.”

This approach, he suggests, transforms the start of the week from a period of inertia into one of forward motion. Jerry V. believes that consistently applying this ten-minute Sunday ritual can prevent weeks from feeling like they are constantly resetting and instead allow them to build upon each other.

Building Momentum Over Time

The long-term benefit, according to Jerry V., is the creation of cumulative momentum. By ensuring each week starts with action rather than deliberation, individuals can achieve more consistent progress. He concludes his post by offering further assistance for those looking to implement a more effective Monday routine, pointing to a comment or direct message for those interested in his ‘Signal Scan’ or a ‘Signal call’ to build a personalized weekly plan.