How to Leave Work on Time

On this episode

Whether it’s leaving work on time, setting boundaries, or making healthier choices, behaviour change is something virtually all of us struggle with from time to time.

But we often struggle because we’re stuck in routines that feel comforting, even if they’re not what we really want. We tell ourselves we’ll do better tomorrow, but we keep repeating the same patterns, which leaves us frustrated and overwhelmed.

Big, long-lasting change starts small. Instead of aiming for drastic, all-or-nothing shifts, we can focus on realistic, incremental steps. Small wins build momentum and help us see progress over time.

It’s also important to identify what truly matters to us. When we align our actions with our deeper values – like spending quality time with family or taking care of our health – it becomes easier to make those changes stick.

To get there, we can set up systems that make change easier. Use alarms or reminders to stop work at a certain time. Plan a reward for stopping, like doing something relaxing or enjoyable straight after. Build accountability by involving others, like committing to a group activity or sharing your goals with someone you trust.

And when things don’t go as planned, instead of beating ourselves up, we can reflect on what happened and learn from it. Every setback is an opportunity to adjust and try again.

If we let our routines and old habits take over, we risk feeling trapped in cycles of overwork or neglecting what’s most important. This can lead to burnout, resentment, and a loss of connection with the people and activities that bring us joy.

What’s one action you can take today to move closer to the life you want? Whether it’s setting an alarm, saying no to one extra task, or planning time for something meaningful, even the smallest step can make a big difference.