Hoping to get more work done? Consider taking a step back – like a big step back and maybe go out to the movies during your working day.
That sounds a bit crazy? I thought so too, but that is, at least according to Georgetown University professor and “Slow Productivity” author Cal Newport, one productivity hack.
With the help of his most recent book, Newport hopes to assist readers in doing away with “pseudo productivity,” or the act of appearing busy, and substituting outcomes-based work in its place. He thinks that the latter is essential for lowering burnout and generating more meaningful work.
“What matters is, what are you producing over time, and how good is the stuff you’re producing?” Newport tells CNBC Make It. “When you make that switch from [prioritising] activity in the moment to output over time, it really changes how you think about getting things done.”
The fundamental principles of slow productivity are to focus on quality, operate at a natural pace, and do fewer tasks.
Working at a natural pace, according to Newport, is all about accepting your energy peaks and valleys. He gives some ideas of ways to achieve this, such as setting off time on your calendar for no meetings and safeguarding focused hours.
One more suggestion? Once a month, plan a trip to the movies while at work.
An argument in favour of monthly matinee
“In most office jobs, no one is going to notice if you’re gone for an afternoon once every 30 days or so,” says Newport.Tell them you had a “personal appointment” if someone asks where you were. Which is true.
He continues, “Of course, you have to think about it.” Plan ahead on your schedule to avoid putting colleagues in a difficult situation and to ensure that nothing crucial is overlooked. Be ready to reschedule your short break if an unexpected work emergency arises during that week or day.
Newport acknowledges that not everyone will be game for this approach, least of all managers.
He claims that “visible activity is a proxy for useful effort in pseudo productivity.” This kind of thinking views leaving the office as detrimental to the workplace.
However, adopting an outcomes-based attitude means realising that people aren’t equally productive throughout the workday and that taking a break could ultimately improve the result (for example, by increasing engagement or inventiveness).
And the guilt factor—what about it? Whether it’s paid time off for vacations or sick days, Americans are infamously lousy at using it.
“We take time off work for all kinds of things,” including doctor’s appointments, according to Newport. “We just don’t see it as legitimate unless it has a commensurate amount of discomfort.”
From his point of view, it’s helpful to recall all of the additional time you’ve spent working on your laptop over the weekend or checking email in the evening. This ledger can only be balanced by occasionally missing a weekday afternoon.
Alternatives for taking a mini-break
Newport continues, “You don’t have to be a movie buff to benefit.” You might perhaps attempt a hike or an afternoon trip to the museum. The important takeaway from this, he adds, is that a simple plan of weekday getaways can be enough to lessen the weariness of an otherwise metronome-regular schedule.
In addition, he provides alternative strategies for maximising mini-breaks and working at a more natural pace while at work—even if you are unable to leave the workplace.
One is to schedule a weekly no-meeting day on your own. Another tip is to plan in time for your personal downtime: “After blocking out time for a significant work project, plan time in the days or weeks that follow it to engage in a leisurely activity unrelated to your work,” advises Newport.
Another option would be to work in cycles. For instance, Basecamp workers put in roughly six weeks of intense effort to reach a goal, followed by a two-week cooldown during which they rest, resolve minor problems, and plan their next course of action.
You must first build trust
According to Newport, even small breaks like going to the movies or setting aside time for yourself don’t help unless you’re meeting your responsibilities at work.
Developing organisation and building a reputation for being proactive are the two most important things that young employees, in particular, should focus on.
Make a point of being clearly visible in the workplace as someone who is well-organised, keeps track of tasks and time, completes tasks on schedule, and notifies others when something needs to be changed.
Establish a reputation for being a well-organised individual in the workplace who monitors their time and tasks, fulfils commitments, and communicates any necessary changes to others.
“This will earn you a huge amount of autonomy of leverage going forward,” Newport advises.
(Tashia Bernardus)