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Quote of the Week
“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”
— Cyril Northcote Parkinson
Happening TONIGHT
If you’ve been job-hunting, exploring a career pivot, or just curious how recruiters really think — join me tonight at 8 PM ET for the Remarkable Monday: Recruiter Roundtable. We’ll unpack what makes candidates stand out, how to build meaningful relationships with recruiters, and answer your questions live.
🎥 Click here to join the conversation live at 8:00 p.m. ET→
Main Story: Parkinson’s Law
There have been weeks when writing Remarkable Monday took me hours. I was reworking sentences, fine-tuning transitions, second-guessing every paragraph.
And then there were other weeks when my schedule was packed and I only had 45 minutes over lunch. Still, I got it done. Clean, clear, and ready to send.
The difference wasn’t inspiration. It was time.
That’s the essence of Parkinson’s Law. It’s the idea that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Give yourself all day, and it’ll take all day. Give yourself a window, and your brain gets resourceful.
Source: NBC | Giphy
Insight #1: Boundaries Create Brilliance
When you limit time, you heighten focus. A 30-minute planning block or a 90-minute deep-work sprint forces clarity. Distractions lose their grip because the boundary itself demands your best.
Insight #2: The Clock Is Neutral
Time isn’t the enemy; it’s a mirror. It reflects how intentional you are. The same clock that steals hours from the distracted can sharpen the disciplined.
Insight #3: Design Your Container
Instead of fighting your schedule, use it as a productivity framework. Create “containers” for what you want to get done — writing, strategy, even rest — and stick to them. Your energy expands to fit the container you design.
You don’t need more time. You need a better frame.
BEFORE WE GO
A Quick Note of Gratitude
I want to say thank you. Because of you:
Our open rate is in the top 30% of all Beehiiv newsletters.
Our click-through rate is in the top 30% as well.
And we’ve now been showing up together for 89 consecutive weeks.
That consistency — yours and mine — means the world.
Source: America’s Got Talent | Giphy
Until next time,
If you’re reading this far… I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media.
FYI: I’m mostly active on LinkedIn these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.