Coasting towards the traffic light: finishing your day differently

Coasting towards the traffic light is an excellent work habit. By this, I mean that it’s smart to use the last part of your workday (and workweek!) to reflect on the day and week: What is still pending? What loose ends do you see? What’s relevant for the next day and needs immediate attention?

This is smarter than suddenly braking: grabbing your coat, closing your laptop, snatching your phone and bag, and rushing home. You’re left with a cluttered mind, uncertainty about tomorrow, and perhaps unfinished tasks you now can’t remember.

How do you coast practically?

Set a recurring appointment in your calendar for the last 15-30 minutes of each workday. During this meeting-with-yourself, make a list of outstanding tasks, loose ends, and unfinished activities.

Also, identify the tasks that need to be prioritized for the next day: What takes precedence?

Check your first appointment for the next workday: Where is it, and do you have everything you need for it? For example, if you’re working in a different location, you might need to pack certain things.

Check if you have any draft emails that needed to be sent. Complete them, delete them, or save them to review the next day.

What if coasting doesn’t work for you?

Maybe you don’t “allow yourself” this time because it feels like you’re not using it productively. Realize that this time is an investment in a calmer mindset that evening and a more organized feeling the next morning. Like any investment, it’s a wait-and-see if it will bring what you hope for.

Do you really want to roll out but still can’t manage it? Then don’t just set an appointment in your calendar—also set a reminder on your phone. This helps ingrain new behavior. You could also get a reminder from a colleague who is trying to develop the same habit, or who can hold you accountable.

Alternatively, you can use an app designed to help you develop habits, like the Every Day Habit Tracker. This helps you visualize your progress.

What if you really don’t succeed in coasting?

If coasting remains an issue for you, lower the bar. For example, instead of expecting it from yourself every day, aim for just once or twice a week.

Preferably choose moments just before the weekend or an absence, or when you know you’ll be working in a different location the next day (like your home office).

At those times, you know it’s especially frustrating to have ended the day unprepared or distracted.

What else can you do?

Once a year, it’s also smart to do some extensive coasting. This means looking back over a long period and taking stock. Don’t think you can only do this in December—spring is also a great time, as is any period you want to close off.