Written by: January 21, 2024
A bestselling author’s method to separate work and life:
Principle-First
Ever feel like your workday bleeds into your personal life, leaving you drained and unfulfilled?
It's a common struggle in our always-on world.
But what if I told you there's a way to switch off effectively, reclaim your evenings, and enhance your overall well-being?
Let me tell you about Cal Newport's Shutdown Routine (from his book, Deep Work).
SUPERHUMAN SCORING
In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.
Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.
Impact (9.5/10)
“A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought – they must be earned.”
—Naval Ravikant
Harsh truth:
A career promotion matters little if your health is poor or your relationships are in disarray. (This was the story of my late 20s.)
Today’s shutdown routine will help you draw a clear line between work and personal time—so you can optimize fulfillment from both life areas.
Setup (8.0/10)
5 steps to execute a shutdown routine:
1. Set a specific time to end your workday—this is non-negotiable.
2. Block out 15 minutes before this end-time for your shutdown routine.
3. Use the blocked-out time to review your task list. Update it, ensuring you're clear on what's done and pending.
Pro tip: Identify your most important activity to complete tomorrow. (Ideally, schedule it in your calendar as the first thing to start your workday.) In the words of Brian Tracy, “Eat that frog.”
4. Spend a minute or two closing distracting website tabs and tidying your physical workspace. Your future self will thank you.
5. Then, verbalize a simple phrase like “Shutdown complete,” signaling to your brain that work is over.
This ritual, though small, is mighty in creating a mental barrier between your work and personal life.
Maintenance (7.0/10)
Make your shutdown routine a sacred part of your day. Treat it with the same importance as a meeting with your boss.
If you miss a day, don't beat yourself up—just get back on track tomorrow.
Follow the mantra, courtesy of James Clear, “Never miss twice.”
Over time, this routine will become second nature, and you'll wonder how you managed without it.
Pro tips: Maintain your shutdown routine by graciously saying ‘no’ to the non-essential requests of others and enforcing your boundaries.
BRINGING IT HOME
Imagine a life where you're present with your loved ones, engaged in your hobbies, and returning to work with a clear mind and a ready heart.
Try this shutdown routine—you’ll be one step closer to using rest to power your success.
All systems go,
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