How to Have More Intentional Time Transitions
on building opening and closing routines
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If you ever worked in customer service, you’re familiar with the idea of opening and closing the shop. First shift has particular responsibilities to set the shop or eatery up to serve customers or clients and last shift has their own to-do list to clean and close up the space.
After college, I worked for a year as a Shipping Manager at a bookstore. I rode my bike to work early, cutting through the Ohio State University campus. Once I opened the door, I’d drop my bike and scurry over to turn off the alarm system, then park my bike in the back of the store, then microwave my oatmeal, then check my email. I savored those moments in the morning before the shop opened and my shipping and selling responsibilities started. On the days when I closed, I’d lock up the door, then set on my closing list: counting down the till and locking the money in our safe, turning off the music, setting the alarm, then hurrying out in ten seconds.
Opening Routine
A good opening routine should set you up to go into your day with a sense of confidence.
This likely involves self-care tasks like setting yourself up comfortably, getting water or tea, etc.
For me, a good opening routine is giving myself at least a half hour of alone time at my desk before any meetings when I review my bullet journal, check my email, and select my priorities for the day. I also like to pull a tarot card or card from my Inquire Within deck.
Questions to consider:
How do you want to feel when you start your workday?
What activities help you get closer to that feeling?
What list of tasks can you realistically commit to at the start of each workday?
Closing Routine
A good closing routine should help you transition out of work mode and help set you up for success when you next return to work.
For me, a good closing routine is reviewing my bullet journal to make sure I completed my to-do list, scheduling any outstanding tasks, clearing off my desk, unplugging my space heater, etc.
If you’re curious about how to use your closing routine for the end of your week, I highly recommend
’s piece for , “How to invest an hour now to make next week a bit easier.” Berdahl breaks down the Friday Afternoon Power Hour process she’s been using for years, and it’s such a wise method to prepare for the next week—including taking nonessential commitments OFF your to-do list!Questions to consider:
How can your closing routine help you feel mentally organized for the following work day?
Can your closing routine help you transition from “work time” to “personal time”?
What can you do today to make your next work day easier?
What about you?
Do you have an opening routine or a closing routine for your day? What do they look like? I’d love to hear about it!
I’ll be back next week with a Curiosities post about one of my favorite online habits. Have a great week!
Take care and talk soon,
Dr. Kate
P.S.
For the dissertation students out there — I still have capacity to take on clients for Success and Accountability Coaching to help YOU complete your final graduate or doctorate requirements from a place of confidence and self-trust. Learn more here.
This was such a balm for me to read today. Last year I started a little project to create a daily map. It wasn't beautiful but something different every day. I'd start with a scribble and write in what I did. What I noticed after awhile was a pattern emerging with morning and evening rituals. We all have them whether we think we do or not. Once I discovered these patterns I simply started inputting AM & PM ritual on the map automatically. But, I used to have different opening and closing rituals. I really enjoyed some of them but I can't seem to incorporate them into my life now (that I don't show up to a job). Your prompts make me think about some of them and I'm now thinking how I can incorporate the ones that make me feel good into my daily life. I so appreciate all the wisdom you share.