I read Cal Newport’s blog, Study Hacks, regularly. While I don’t always always agree with his view, this post really resonated with me.

http://calnewport.com/blog/2016/10/12/a-famous-rabbis-advice-for-getting-important-things-done/

It explains why, on the days I don’t have a clear plan — or even if I am busy but don’t write down what I’ve done — I get to the end of the day and feel terrible. Like I wasted my time because I have no recollection of what I’ve spent my time doing. This post is just one more reminder that, for me, the secret to a good, productive day is to make a map and try to follow it. Sure, I allow for unexpected curves in the road, but working with a map amplifies the feelings of accomplishment which, at the end of the day, are my greatest reward.