Here’s a trick that will help every time you do it.

Work hard during the day, and cross off as many things from your list as you can. But as you’re winding down, save something. Leave one thing undone.

Don’t actually do that one more task—but do identify it. Write it down and leave it in a place you’ll see it when you settle back in for more effort.

Stop before you’re completely ready to stop.

Build a bridge to the future, and leave your current day’s work knowing what you’re going to do next.

It will help. Every time.

Chris Guillebeau is the New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness of Pursuit, The $100 Startup, and other books. During a lifetime of self-employment, he visited every country in the world (193 in total) before his 35th birthday. Every summer in Portland, Oregon he hosts the World Domination Summit, a gathering of creative, remarkable people. His new book, Born for This, will help you find the work you were meant to do. Connect with Chris on Twitter, on his blog, or at your choice of worldwide airline lounge.

Image courtesy of The Journal Garden | Vera Bitterer.