About this quote

Mark Twain's blunt advice forces a simple rule: handle the hardest, most dreaded task first so the rest of the day runs smoother. What habit are you avoiding, and why let it control your time? Make the uncomfortable move now — practical action beats polite excuses and builds steady momentum.

When to use it

• Open your inbox at 8 a.m. and reply to the one email that's been weighing you down; the rest of the day will feel easier.
• Spend the first 30 minutes on the project you keep postponing, even if it’s just to write the first sentence.
• Make the difficult phone call or have the tough conversation before lunch so it can’t hang over you all day.
• Start your workout with the exercise you dread most; once it's done, everything else feels manageable.