Work Shutdown Ritual

Introduction

• Presenter: Naomi from Todoist channel
• Topic: Work shutdown ritual
• Target Audience: People struggling to turn off work at the end of the day

Article Basis & Author

• Original article by Becky Kane; emphasizes on a typical unproductive work pattern
• Introduction to Cal Newport's concept of a work shutdown ritual from his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport’s Work Shutdown Ritual

• The ritual ensures every task, goal, and project is reviewed and captured
• Important to allow brain to switch off from work for recharging

Steps to Create Personalized Work Shutdown Rituals

Step 1: Clean Up

• Physically clean your desk/work area
• Save folders/documents, close tabs/windows
• Save ongoing tasks in Todoist comments

Step 2: Reflect

• Acknowledge your day's accomplishments
• Use activity log in Todoist to see completed tasks

Step 3: Confront Procrastinated Tasks

• Break down avoided tasks into smaller, manageable tasks
• Schedule them for the next day

Step 4: Write Tomorrow's To-Do List

• Boosts willpower and reduces planning time in the morning
• Helps stop thinking about work and eliminates the zeigarnik effect

Step 5: Complete Your Most Important Task First

• Identify key task for the day (Eating the frog)

Step 6: Set a Fixed End Time for Workday

• Use Parkinson’s law to set a strict cutoff time
• Incorporate the shutdown ritual within this time
• Important for long-term productivity and recharging

Step 7: End on a High Note

• Forgive yourself for not completing everything
• Show gratitude for positive events or colleagues
• Do small favors for others

Summary of Steps

1. Tidy desk and save work
2. Review completed tasks
3. Plan tomorrow's to-do list
4. Identify next day’s key task
5. Break down avoided tasks
6. Maintain a strict end-time
7. End on a positive note

Additional Tips

• Customize steps as needed
• Important for long-term happiness and success

Interaction & Giveaway

• Encouraging audience to share their shutdown rituals or tips
• One commenter will win a free year of Todoist Pro

Resources

• Links to Todoist template for work shutdown rituals available in the video description

Conclusion

• Thanking viewers and encouraging engagement through comments, likes, and subscriptions