Embracing Slow Productivity

by Danielle Trudeau | Jul 17, 2024 | Keystone News | 0 comments

The Beauty of Slow Productivity

I have long been a fan of the ‘slow’ movement and have applied to many things — slow food, slow decorating, slow creativity. Of course, these are all made up but the underlying principles are the same. I first heard the term about 18 years ago on a holiday on the Isle of Arran, which was awarded a slow food accreditation. None of it is all that revolutionary but the beauty is in the doing and I love that we are now talking about it in terms of work and productivity.

First let’s understand the ‘Slow’ Movement: Principles and Philosophy

The ‘Slow’ movement is a cultural shift toward slowing down life’s pace and embracing more mindful, intentional living. Originating with the Slow Food movement in Italy during the 1980s as a reaction against the fast food industry, the concept has expanded to various aspects of life, including work, education, parenting, and travel. At its core, the ‘Slow’ movement advocates for quality over quantity, sustainability over speed, and depth over superficiality.

Here are the key principles of the ‘Slow’ movement:

1. Quality Over Quantity

The ‘Slow’ movement emphasises the importance of producing and consuming high-quality goods and services. This principle encourages people to focus on fewer, more meaningful activities or products, rather than accumulating or doing more for the sake of it.

2. Mindfulness and Presence

Being present and fully engaged in each moment is a central tenet of the ‘Slow’ movement. It encourages individuals to savour their experiences, whether they are eating a meal, working on a project, or spending time with loved ones.

3. Sustainability

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the ‘Slow’ movement. It advocates for practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. This includes sustainable agriculture, ethical consumerism, and business practices that do not exploit resources or people.

4. Connection

Building and nurturing connections with people, communities, and the environment is another important principle. The ‘Slow’ movement encourages collaboration, community involvement, and deep, meaningful relationships.

5. Balance

The ‘Slow’ movement promotes a balanced approach to life, where work, rest, and play are in harmony. It recognises the importance of downtime and leisure, encouraging a rhythm that allows for both productivity and relaxation.

6. Joy and Fulfilment

Finding joy and fulfilment in everyday activities is a key aspect of the ‘Slow’ movement. It encourages individuals to pursue passions and hobbies, and to derive satisfaction from the simple pleasures in life.

Applying the ‘Slow’ Principles to Work

In the context of work, these principles translate into a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to productivity:

• Do Fewer Things: Prioritise tasks that truly matter and focus on them deeply, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
• Work at a Natural Pace: Respect your natural rhythms and avoid the rush, allowing for thorough and thoughtful work.
• Obsess Over Quality: Strive for excellence in every task, valuing the quality of your work over the quantity.

By integrating the ‘Slow’ movement principles into our professional lives, we can create a more balanced, fulfilling, and productive work environment. This approach not only benefits individual well-being but also leads to more sustainable and impactful business practices.

Inspired by Cal Newport’s principles of Slow Productivity, I believe that adopting a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to work can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling careers.

Newport outlines three core principles that resonate deeply with our mission at Keystone Women: Do fewer things, work at a natural pace, and obsess over quality. These principles provide a sustainable framework for organising knowledge work efforts in a way that fosters creativity, reduces burnout, and enhances overall productivity.

Do Fewer Things

In a culture that often equates busyness with success, the idea of doing fewer things can seem counterintuitive. However, by focusing on fewer tasks, we can dedicate more time and energy to what truly matters. Newport argues that spreading ourselves too thin across numerous projects leads to superficial results and heightened stress. Instead, by narrowing our focus, we can engage more deeply with our work, producing higher-quality outcomes and experiencing greater satisfaction.

For female entrepreneurs, this means prioritising projects that align with our core values and long-term goals. It’s about saying no to the endless stream of distractions and commitments that pull us away from our true purpose. By doing fewer things, we create space for innovation and excellence, setting the stage for lasting success.

Work at a Natural Pace

The modern work environment often pressures us to rush through tasks, striving to maximise output in the shortest time possible. However, Newport advocates for working at a natural pace, emphasising that our most important work should not be hurried. Historically, knowledge work experts have developed meaningful contributions over extended periods, maintaining a steady and deliberate pace.

Working seasonally, as Newport suggests, can be particularly beneficial for female entrepreneurs. This approach involves recognising and respecting the natural ebbs and flows of our energy and creativity. By aligning our work with these rhythms, we can enhance our productivity and well-being. For example, dedicating certain times of the year to intensive project development and others to rest and reflection can lead to more sustainable and impactful work. We go into exactly this in our Defining Your Values course but recognising cycles, seasons and rhythms in our body, personal and working life.

Obsess Over Quality

In a world that often values quantity over quality, Newport’s call to obsess over quality is a refreshing perspective. By committing to excellence in our work, we can create products and services that stand the test of time. This principle encourages us to invest deeply in our projects, paying meticulous attention to detail and striving for the highest standards.

For female entrepreneurs, this means taking pride in our craft and refusing to settle for mediocrity. Whether we are developing a new product, writing a business proposal, or designing a marketing campaign, the pursuit of quality should be at the forefront of our efforts. By doing so, we not only enhance our professional reputation but also contribute to the legacy of our businesses.

Embracing Slow Productivity in Practice

Implementing the principles of Slow Productivity in our daily lives requires a shift in mindset and habits. Here are some practical steps for female entrepreneurs looking to embrace this philosophy:

1. Prioritise Ruthlessly: Identify the few key projects that will have the most significant impact on your business and focus your efforts on these.
2. Set Boundaries: Create clear boundaries around your work time and personal time. Allow yourself to fully disconnect and recharge.
3. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed. Be flexible and open to changing your approach based on what works best for you.
4. Invest in Learning: Continuously seek opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge. This investment in yourself will pay off in the quality of your work.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate the small milestones along the way. This helps maintain motivation and reinforces the value of slow, deliberate progress.

By integrating the principles of Slow Productivity into our work, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling professional life and that does not mean less ambition. Keystone Women are committed to supporting female entrepreneurs in this journey, helping them to reimagine their working lives and achieve their highest potential. Let’s embrace the slow, deliberate path to success and build businesses that thrive on quality, sustainability, and meaningful impact.