‘We need fewer things to work on. Starting now.’  Cal Newport

In the fast paced world of the 2020’s it feels like our to-do list is longer than ever, however a new train of thought is making it’s way to the mainstream that will allow us to put the breaks on whilst boosting our overall performance. Enter ‘slow productivity’. Holistic Health Coach, Claudia Dumond has years of experience in guiding individuals in their journey to greater wellbeing and below she explains what the slow productivity actually means, and how it can help us transition from unstructured urgency to paced performance with some simple and affective tips.

In a world filled with unstructured urgency, we often find ourselves bustling about, seemingly busy but accomplishing little and feeling unsatisfied in the process. But what if, instead of chasing quantity, we prioritised quality? What if, at the end of each day, we asked ourselves, "Did I produce meaningful work today?" or "Am I genuinely proud of my accomplishments?" Would this shift in perspective prompt us to approach our days with a renewed focus and purpose? Or would we continue to navigate through a sea of distractions, buried in our phones, overwhelmed by emails, texts, and notifications? It's time to pause, reflect, and reconsider our approach.
 
In the contemporary work landscape, burnout affects a significant 79% of UK employees. Consider a typical day in the office: phones incessantly buzzing, emails flooding in, and deadlines looming ominously. We often find ourselves juggling numerous tasks simultaneously, striving to keep pace with the relentless demands of our workday. Yet, despite our efforts, we frequently end the day feeling drained and unsatisfied.

Amidst the frenetic pace of modern work life, a more deliberate approach emerges: Slow productivity. This methodology advocates for a shift away from the frenzied pursuit of quantity towards a focus on quality. Instead of spreading our attention thinly across multiple tasks, slow productivity encourages us to concentrate on one task at a time, with unwavering attention and purpose.
 
Imagine starting your day with a clear mind and a single task before you. Free from distractions and the temptation to multitask, you devote your full concentration to the task at hand. This embodies the essence of slow productivity. By prioritising tasks, minimising distractions, and immersing ourselves fully in each task, we can achieve better results while safeguarding our mental well-being.
 
Slow productivity offers us another way to be. It gives us the agency to recognise that the relentless pursuit of busyness and constant stimulation undermines our ability to do great work. With this knowledge, we have the power to make the changes necessary to thrive. Because the truth is, we've all fallen into this trap of believing that busy is best. However, the reality is that instead of making us more efficient, multitasking actually hinders our ability to concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress levels.
 
But there seems to be an inherent contradiction between hustle culture and the idea of working less. However, when faced with an excessive workload, our minds can spiral into overdrive, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. The transition towards slowing down has been gradual, with movements like slow food and slow parenting paving the way. Now, amidst the peak of burnout, slow productivity is poised to take centre stage. Now is the time to embrace the art of single-tasking, to reclaim our focus, harness our creativity, and find meaning in our work. 
 
But how can we transition from unstructured urgency to slow productivity? Here are some simple yet effective approaches to get your started:

Plan Ahead: Incorporating planning and intentionality into our daily routines is paramount for fostering slow productivity. By dedicating time the night before to plan and organise our tasks for the day ahead, we set ourselves up for success. Breaking down the day into manageable segments and prioritising tasks allows us to approach each day with clarity and purpose.
 
Prioritise Your Tasks: Be clear on your priorities and break your goals down into smaller actions. Each day, adjust a Kanban-style board that visually shows your tasks. The benefits of single-tasking are clear—it leads to greater productivity, fosters creativity, improves decision-making, and reduces stress.
 
Time boxing: Allocate specific time slots for different tasks throughout the day. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in each task without feeling overwhelmed. Consider blocking out an hour a day for small tasks and questions to avoid constant interruptions.
 
Set Boundaries: Create a dedicated workspace free from clutter and noise. Turn off notifications on your devices to avoid temptation. Set boundaries with colleagues and clients to protect your focus time.

Be Present: Focus on the here and now. Take breaks to go for a walk, meditate, or simply enjoy a moment of silence. By being fully present in each moment, you can cultivate mindfulness and intentionality.

The advantages of embracing slow productivity are manifold. Not only does it lead to improved work quality and heightened productivity, but it also mitigates stress and guards against burnout. By embracing a more measured pace, we can infuse our work with meaning and attain equilibrium in our lives. So, when overwhelmed by the demands of modern work, remember the opportunity of slow productivity. Take a breath, focus on one task at a time, and see your productivity and well-being soar.