Someday Is Today

About the Author

Matthew Dicks is an extraordinary individual whose life story is as inspiring as the lessons he imparts through his writing. Born into a challenging environment, Dicks learned the value of hard work, efficiency, and time management at an early age. He faced significant hardships growing up, which included working two full-time jobs while also completing two full-time university programs. These experiences honed his ability to manage time and productivity, skills that would later define his career and personal achievements.

Today, Dicks wears many hats. He is a full-time elementary school teacher, imparting knowledge and wisdom to young minds. Simultaneously, he has made a name for himself as a best-selling author, known for both his non-fiction and fiction works. His non-fiction books, like "Storyworthy," offer deep insights into the art of storytelling, while his novels, including "Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend," "Something Missing," and "Unexpectedly Milo," showcase his creative prowess. Beyond writing, Dicks is a celebrated storyteller, having won 48 StorySLAMS and six GrandSLAMS, which are storytelling championships where participants share true stories from their lives within five minutes.

Dicks’s life is a testament to his teachings on productivity. He not only manages his full-time teaching job but also finds time to pursue his passions in writing, storytelling, blogging, and even DJing. His ability to juggle multiple roles without compromising on any is a clear demonstration of the principles he shares in "Someday Is Today." His work is a beacon for those who aspire to achieve more with their time, showing that with the right mindset and strategies, it's possible to lead a fulfilling, multifaceted life.

Main Idea

"Someday Is Today" is not just a book about time management; it is a call to action for anyone who feels that they are not living up to their full potential. Matthew Dicks argues that the reason many people do not achieve their dreams is that they view these dreams as distant possibilities—something they might accomplish "someday." This mindset, according to Dicks, is the root of mediocrity. By constantly postponing their goals, people fail to take the necessary steps today, which results in them never reaching those goals at all.

In "Someday Is Today," Dicks challenges this procrastinatory mindset. He asserts that achieving extraordinary things is within everyone's reach, but only if they learn to maximize their time, efficiency, productivity, and creativity. The book is divided into two main parts: the first focuses on strategies for maximizing time and efficiency, and the second delves into how to boost productivity and creativity. Throughout the book, Dicks shares practical tips, personal anecdotes, and insights from other experts to guide readers on their journey to turning their "someday" dreams into reality.

Dicks’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: the time to act is now. Whether it’s starting a new project, pursuing a passion, or simply making more out of each day, Dicks emphasizes that the only way to overcome mediocrity and achieve greatness is by taking action today, not tomorrow. This message resonates throughout the book, encouraging readers to stop making excuses and start making progress.

Table of Contents

1. Maximize Your Time and Efficiency
2. Principle #1: Differentiate Between Important and Irrelevant Tasks
3. Principle #2: Minimize the Duration of Routine Tasks
4. Principle #3: Focus on the Macro Rather Than the Micro
5. Principle #4: Optimize Sleep
6. Principle #5: Stop Spending Time on Negative People
7. Maximize Your Productivity and Reach Your Full Potential
8. Principle #1: Use Every Spare Moment to Do Something Productive
9. Principle #2: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
10. Principle #3: Fail Often
11. Principle #4: Motivate and Inspire Yourself
12. Principle #5: Maximize Your Creative Potential
13. Principle #6: Create a Support Group
14. Conclusion

Maximize Your Time and Efficiency

One of the most important aspects of achieving success is learning how to make the most of your time. Time is a finite resource, and how you choose to spend it determines the trajectory of your life. In "Someday Is Today," Matthew Dicks offers a comprehensive guide to maximizing time and efficiency. He presents several principles that, when applied, can help you eliminate unnecessary tasks, focus on what truly matters, and create more time for the pursuits that bring you closer to your goals.

Principle #1: Differentiate Between Important and Irrelevant Tasks

Dicks begins by emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between tasks that are truly important and those that are merely distractions. In a world full of demands, it is easy to get caught up in activities that feel urgent but do not contribute to your long-term success. Dicks suggests a simple yet profound exercise: visualize your 100-year-old self. Would this future version of you consider the task at hand important? This perspective shift helps you focus on tasks that align with your deepest values and long-term goals.

The key is to focus on what truly matters to you, not what others expect of you. This requires a deep understanding of your own values and a commitment to prioritizing them over the immediate pressures of the moment. For example, if your future self values meaningful connections with loved ones, you might choose to spend more time nurturing those relationships rather than working overtime at a job that doesn't align with your passion.