The Modern Observer Group

You want to work less but you can’t imagine how, especially since you feel like you’re already behind. Begin by deciding how much you want to work. Set a target range of hours — for example, 45–50 hours per week — and use that number as a stopping point. If choosing a weekly range is overwhelming, start small by focusing on an incremental goal, like leaving 15 minutes earlier each day. Then determine the tasks you need to accomplish on a weekly and daily basis within this schedule to feel comfortable ending your workday on time. If you find you’re still working late, identify what’s hindering you: Too many meetings? Interruptions? Not enough resources? Address the specific problem that’s holding you back. At first, these changes to your schedule will likely feel uncomfortable, but after a few weeks you’ll become less emotionally resistant to the reduced hours.