Shutting down

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• My simple 6-step daily shut-down routine (to avoid burnout and guarantee a more productive tomorrow)

• Top finds of the week

Estimated reading time: [2 min 2 seconds] 

Shutting Down

As my responsibilities grew, my old system of “I’ll just remember” stopped working.

I started spiraling and burning out.

My results also began to suffer.

I knew I had to make a change.

So I implemented a daily shut-down routine.

It’s helped me tremendously.

Maybe it will help you too.

Here are the 6 steps I do at the end of each workday:

1. Process Email Inbox

Email is a big source of stress for most.

I spend 5-10 min. to get to "inbox zero".

Archiving, labeling, or scheduling messages.

Less clutter. Less stress.

2. Process all Slacks/Messaging apps

Before:

→ respond to all messages to get it off my plate

Now:

→ mark as “later”

→ add to my task manager (if it requires action)

→ schedule messages

3. Review Upcoming Meetings

Being unprepared as a seller or leader is unacceptable.

Preparation is within your control.

I review all upcoming meetings and ask 3 questions:

- Do I need to be in this meeting?

- Does this meeting have a clear agenda?

- What do I need to review prior?

4. Review Upcoming Tasks

5 step checklist:

→ Complete

→ Reschedule

→ Organize

→ Add any open loops from the day

→ Prioritize tasks that will "move the needle"

5. Organize Downloads & Desktop

If your desktop has more than 1 row of icons...

You’re doing it wrong.

I spend 2 min. to delete, file, & organize all downloads.

Putting things in their place...

Makes them easier to find later.

6. Process Physical Inbox

Mostly everything is digital.

But I still get paper bills, notices, tax returns, etc.

I have a physical inbox to hold them all.

I empty and file them in a filing cabinet near my desk.

Here’s a screenshot of the Daily Routine in my task manager:

Here’s a quick visual summary:

Top finds of the week

5-part framework that makes your message “sticky”

How discovery with the “wrong” person got a meeting with a CEO

100 Tips for a Better Life

ICYMI

Here are 2 of the most common reasons sellers never reach their full potential:

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