9 Things I Did To Stop Wasting My Evenings After Work

Summary

In this video, Simon Alexander Ong shares 9 evening shifts that helped him reclaim his time and transform his life. From defining intentional goals for the evening to creating a restful environment and using commute time for personal growth, Simon emphasizes how small, consistent changes can lead to extraordinary results. His journey from a corporate job to running a business and writing a bestselling book shows how the quality of your evenings can significantly impact your future. These shifts empower individuals to design a fulfilling, balanced life outside of work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reclaim your evenings by setting clear intentions and focusing on one meaningful task to achieve success.
• 😀 Reverse-schedule your evening by planning backward from your ideal sleep time to prevent mindless screen time.
• 😀 Incorporate a post-work transitional activity to reset your mind and body, improving recovery after a workday.
• 😀 Build a 'fun list' of enjoyable activities to engage in, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling evening rather than defaulting to mindless actions.
• 😀 Embrace imperfection and focus on doing something small to move forward, rather than aiming for perfection every evening.
• 😀 Design your environment to support success by placing visual cues that make your desired habits easier to start.
• 😀 Rest is essential for preventing burnout; block out 1-2 rest days per week to recharge both physically and mentally.
• 😀 Create an evening sanctuary by making your bedroom a comfortable and calming place to promote better sleep quality.
• 😀 Use your commuting time wisely to enhance your mind, get smarter, or focus on personal development through books or podcasts.
• 😀 Small, consistent choices in the evenings and weekends, such as learning, creating, or self-care, have a profound impact on your future.

Q & A

What is the key takeaway from this video about evenings?

The key takeaway is that how you spend your evenings can significantly impact your overall life and future. Small, intentional choices made consistently in the evening can lead to extraordinary results in your personal and professional life.

How did the speaker begin reclaiming their evenings?

The speaker began reclaiming their evenings by introducing small, intentional changes, such as defining what a 'win' for the evening looked like and prioritizing time for meaningful activities over mindless distractions.

What does 'defining a win for the evening' mean, and why is it important?

Defining a win for the evening means setting a clear, achievable goal for your evening, such as reading a chapter or catching up with a friend. This helps establish focus, intention, and fulfillment, ensuring that your evening is spent meaningfully rather than aimlessly.

What is 'reverse scheduling,' and how does it help?

Reverse scheduling involves planning your evening backwards from your ideal sleep time. By determining when you need to go to bed and working backwards, you create a structured routine that helps you wind down properly, leading to better sleep and more productive evenings.

What role does a post-work transitional activity play in the evening?

A post-work transitional activity helps reset your brain after a workday, preventing burnout and allowing you to switch from work mode to personal time. Activities like walking, stretching, or journaling support mental and physical recovery, improving evening productivity.

What is a 'fun list,' and how does it improve your evenings?

A 'fun list' is a collection of enjoyable activities, such as socializing, learning new skills, or outdoor walks. Having a list of fun things to do prevents mindless habits, ensuring your evenings are fulfilling and intentional, rather than just passing time.

Why is it important to focus on 'done' rather than 'perfect' in your evening routine?

Focusing on 'done' rather than 'perfect' allows you to take action without the pressure of perfectionism. It encourages progress, even if small, and helps avoid procrastination. A small effort today contributes to long-term success.

How does designing your environment for success impact your evening habits?

Designing your environment for success means setting up your surroundings to make it easier to engage in desired activities. For example, keeping a book on your pillow or a yoga mat in sight encourages you to read or exercise, reducing the effort needed to start a habit.

What is the benefit of scheduling rest days during the week?

Scheduling rest days is crucial to prevent burnout. Taking regular breaks ensures you recharge, balancing intense work periods with recovery time. Rest days help maintain energy and motivation, contributing to overall productivity and well-being.

How can commuting time be used productively?

Commuting time can be used to improve focus, clear your mind, and get smarter by listening to podcasts, reading, or visualizing goals. Instead of wasting this time on distractions, using it purposefully allows you to start your day with clarity and end it feeling energized.