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How to Close Out Your Work Day Like Cal Newport
Why you need a shutdown ritual to maintain work-life balance and maximize productivity
One of the challenges I’ve faced as a freelancer is a perpetual feeling of guilt… I often feel guilty when I’m working (hey, I’ve got a flexible schedule now, right?) and guilty when I’m not (“I should be working! I don’t get enough done!”).
I’ll come to the end of a workday and feel discouraged because I’m convinced I could have been (should have been!) more efficient, productive, motivated… you get the idea. It feels as though I’ve made no progress at all. Where did the time go? Why did I waste it? I’m a freelance failure.
It isn’t true. And I can say so with confidence now because I’ve started taking time at the end of each day to reflect on my work and my progress. This simple practice has done wonders for my attitude and my productivity.
It’s called a “shutdown ritual,” and it does 3 things:
- Helps me “turn off” and stop thinking about work
- Prompts me to celebrate my progress
- Lays the groundwork for another productive day
