Unlocking Evening Efficiency

I’m a proponent of getting things done in the morning - we generally have higher energy levels, it’s easier to stay focused, and we’re (if we had good sleep) feeling refreshed.

That said, there’s times when we have to get some productive time in the evening - whether it’s a deadline, a side project, or something else.

Let’s break down how we can make this evening time “work” for us when we need to be productive after-hours.

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Finding Evening Focus

Evenings are often seen as the time to relax and unwind, but for many, it’s the only opportunity to tackle personal projects or finish tasks. Striking a balance between down time and productivity requires a little strategy.

First, consider that if you’re most likely operating on a low tank.

Taking care of the basics lays the groundwork for being more energized and focused - this means make sure your sleep, nutrition, and exercise is in order - otherwise this is just going to be harder than it needs to be.

Transitioning from a busy day to an evening task isn't about jumping directly into work. 

A short, intentional break, like stretching your legs or diving into a chapter of your favorite book, can help you mentally switch and prepare you for a new context.

The foundation for productive evenings is built on preparing yourself physically and mentally. Once these essential habits are cultivated, you are better set up to design your evening work and routine, which we’ll look at next.

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Designing Your Evening Routine

Creating an effective evening work routine involves establishing a dedicated workspace.

Whether it’s a small desk or a particular corner, having a clear physical space helps set the mental stage for productivity.

This area should be free of distractions, allowing you to enter a focused state more easily. And honestly, this can just be the dinner table, facing away from everything with headphones on - don’t overthink it.

Once your space is set, it's time to think about reducing interruptions.

Let those around you know this is your focused time. Maybe negotiate no-band practice or "do not disturb" for a little while 😉 

Even simple steps like closing a door or wearing headphones can make a significant difference.

Decide when you'll start and end your work session. This isn't about pulling all-nighters; instead, it's about maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

A routine helps in transitioning into work mode—consider doing this at the same time and day(s) each week to build a strong habit.

Lastly, break down your tasks into small, manageable pieces.

This helps avoid feeling overwhelmed and promotes a sense of achievement as you check off items.

Spend a moment at the end to note what’s been completed and what comes next.

This practice ensures you jump back in effortlessly next time.

If you put these pieces into place, you’re going to get more done, and feel better doing it - while also setting up future you for better results and an easier time getting back into the project.

Extra Extra

• While thinking about evening work I came across an article that had some more good tips - I think the steps in this newsletter will get the job done, but if you need some reminders of other good things you should do in the evening, read this.

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P.S. Looking for resources to improve your productivity? Check out the tools I use right here.