Slow Productivity. A New Pace.

In a recent episode on my podcast Distracted titled "Slow Productivity. The New Pace of Living". I explored the concept of Slow Productivity. It is the concept explained and detailed by Author Cal Newport in his latest book of the same title "Slow Productivity".

In a world where hustle culture reigns supreme and productivity is often measured by how much we can cram into our schedules, the idea of "slow productivity" might sound counterintuitive. I know for me, when I was younger I certainly felt, and often still fall into the trap of feeling like unless I am being ‘dollar productive’ a term business owners would be familiar with, or if I don’t have a long list of things to-do that I am not using my time well.

We know that slowing down and having less to do could actually lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. But if fulfilling and meaningful is not motivating for you, what if I told you that slowing down and having less to do will make you more productive, do better quality work and help you get things done in a more efficient way. I thought that might get you!

At the heart of slow productivity are a few simple yet powerful principles. Slow productivity is about doing fewer things, but doing them well. It's about working at a natural pace rather than succumbing to the pressure to constant hustle. And perhaps most importantly, it's about obsessing over quality rather than quantity. These 3 elements of slow productivity act as the foundations for practices that lead to more meaning, accomplishment without burnout and results.

Slow productivity suggests that by organizing our knowledge work in a sustainable manner, we can achieve better results. The philosophy behind this is quite simple yet profound: slowing down can actually help us keep up more effectively with our tasks. By prioritizing and dedicating focused time to our tasks, we not only improve the quality of our work but also achieve a more balanced life.

Deep work is another topic covered by Newport in his book of the same title. Deep work is crucial for attaining high levels of productivity and quality. Setting aside specific blocks of time for uninterrupted focus allows us to produce our best work. This practice is about minimizing distractions and fully committing to the task at hand, highlighting the importance of creating a conducive environment for concentration and efficiency.

Effective Time Management is key to navigating a busy schedule while accommodating deep work sessions and meetings. By strategically planning and prioritizing our day, we can ensure productivity and also reserve time for rest and other commitments. This approach challenges us to find a balance between collaboration and independent work, making our meetings more efficient and effective.

I invite you to reflect on these concepts and how they might apply to your work life. Do you find the philosophy of slow productivity resonating with your experiences? How do you integrate deep work into your daily routine? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you find it difficult to embrace slow and still keep up with everything that needs to be done? What was your game-changing habit that helped you be a champion of slow?

How do you incorporate slow productivity into your life?

Angela

PS. If you are wanting support in being more intentional with your time consider a Focus Session. I’ll help you find where you are losing time, energy and focus and together we can work out a way forward for you.