Leo Schmid, editor of Thrillist DC

Do you have any get-stuff-done secrets during the summer doldrums?
"I've found that creating a routine is one of the biggest 'getting-stuff-done' secrets. Developing a step-by-step process in the morning has been crucial for me in getting my day started and keeping me on track. I usually start with a quick shower, (sometimes a run), coffee, and follow up that coffee with some more coffee. I then go through emails and my schedule, prioritizing tasks and answering any emails that will take under two-to-three minutes. After this, I write for 30-45-minute spans with small breaks in between. Usually after these tasks are complete, things start falling into place, and the day cruises along. But if all else fails, you have to break out. I go to Tryst."

How do you stay motivated and on-track?
"Deadlines, competition, and peer-comparison have a tendency to really motivate me … But, something else that helps me is having a few reasonable goals for the day. Outside of the usual workday load, I like to add one or two things onto my plate to add a sense of accomplishment to the typical Thrillist day — like answering questions for a Refinery29 article. Small accomplishments throughout the day keep things interesting and help you stay motivated."


Photo: Courtesy of Leo Schmid