Write one work thought, then close the notebook
Whena work thought arrives during personal time
Write one line on paper describing the work thought, then close the notebook without working on it. Read the note at your next work start; keep confidential details out of shared spaces.
Why it works
Capture is different from solving: the note preserves a reminder without opening a work app. This paper-only evening rule is a practitioner-inspired experiment, not a tested detachment intervention.
Start tiny
Write three words that will remind you tomorrow.
What you’ll notice
You have somewhere to put a reminder while keeping work tools closed.
When it slips
One line becomes a planning session. End the sentence and close the notebook; repeated notes about the same thought can wait until work resumes.
Allen, D. (2015). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, revised edition. Penguin Books. Read the source ↗ Editorial adaptation: one-line evening capture and next-workday review.
Foundation: Small recurring actions with little setup. Choose anchors that fit your day.
