WHAT: The Shutdown Routine is a game-changing appointment I've added to my calendar, set for 30 minutes before I aim to end my workday. It's my personal line in the sand, clearly separating my work life from my home life. With this routine in place, I transition into my evening feeling calm and collected, knowing I've got everything under control - including a clear plan for the next day.
HOW: I've set up my Shutdown Routine like this:
— I create a daily recurring appointment in my calendar, 30 minutes before I want to finish work.
— In the appointment description, I've added this checklist:
- Final email review
- Update my to-do list with any meeting notes
- Review tomorrow's calendar
- Choose my top 3 objectives for tomorrow
- Schedule those objectives as appointments with myself in the free spaces of my calendar
— When the appointment time hits, I start working through my checklist step by step.
— Once I'm done, I officially "clock out" for the day.
WHY: The Shutdown Routine has been a essential for my work-life balance and productivity. It gives me a clear cut-off point for my workday, allowing me to truly unplug and recharge without guilt. I no longer carry the stress of unfinished tasks or uncertainty about tomorrow's priorities into my personal time. Instead, I start each evening relaxed and present, knowing I'm prepared for whatever the next day brings. This simple yet powerful practice has not only made me more efficient at work but has also significantly improved my quality of life outside of it. It's my daily reminder that I'm in control of my time and my life, not the other way around.