9 Evening Habits

I found this on Twitter.  I chose the ones that resonated.  (maybe this is definition of confirmation bias?)

 1. Write down tomorrow's 3:3:3 plan (from Oliver Burkeman)

• 3 hours on your most important project

• 3 shorter tasks

• 3 maintenance activities

Defining a "productive day" is crucial.

The First 3 Spend 3 hours of deep work on your most important project.

3-4 hrs of focused work is our cognitive limit. For best results, complete during your highest state of energy (flow = 500% more effective). Define a specific progress goal. Block out distractions.

The Second 3. Execute 3 shorter tasks. These are urgent to-dos. Often, they're “sticky note” items you may be avoiding (some take only a few mins).

Examples:

• Managing: delegating, providing feedback

• Calls, meetings

• Smaller work tasks

The Third 3. Complete 3 “maintenance activities.” These are items that make your life go smoothly. Schedule time for maintenance (don't cram elsewhere).

Examples:

• Cleaning (laundry, dishes, etc.) 

• Self-Improvement: exercising, journaling

2. End the workday with a shutdown ritual

Create a short shutdown ritual (hat-tip to Cal Newport). Close your laptop, plug in the charger, spend 2 minutes tidying your desk. Then say, "shutdown." Separating your life and work is key.

3. Journal 1 beautiful life moment

Delicious tacos, presentation you crushed, a moment of inner peace. Write it down.  Gratitude programs a mindset of abundance.

4. Lay out clothes. (*I'd add "lay out tomorrow's coffee, take out items for tomorrow's dinner.... *)

7. Do the dishes

Dirty dishes spill over into other areas of your life + mindset. Bill Gates says dishes are core to his evening routine. It will calm your mind, too.

9. Give your mind an overnight task

Upon closing your eyes, give your mind a job. "How might I make an extra $1k each month?" Don't try to solve it then; just release it to your subconscious (which will work on it overnight).