How to Succeed Without Burnout

In his book Slow Productivity, Cal Newport talks about a problem that has become prevalent among knowledge workers: burnout. It is not a new phenomenon, by any means. Romcom movies often feature workaholic characters that are drowning in the fast-paced life of New York City or Seattle. But the issue of burnout extends beyond the bounds of a local city. And with the huge increase of work-from-home opportunities, the issue of burnout is bigger than ever. For jobs that require a commute, there is a clear separation between the workplace and home. But for those who work from home, that contrast is almost nonexistent. The threat of unfinished assignments and the pull towards just doing more looms large. 

We need a solution. But what? 

The Problem of Productivity 

Try this thought experiment. Ask yourself: what would a productive day look like? 

For most people, the easiest answer is to try to quantify productivity. For you, a productive day might be six hours of uninterrupted work or the creation of ‘x’ number of widgets. 

But here’s the problem: any description of productivity that involves a set number will always be arbitrary. It’s also bound to be unrealistic. 

When it comes to a standard location-based job, it might be reasonable to expect six hours of continuous work. But when it comes to any form of knowledge work, more time does not always mean more productivity. There is a point of diminishing returns, and it is often far sooner than you might expect. 

If you think back to your own experience, you will probably find that you have not succeeded in working on a mentally challenging task for much more than two hours at a time—your concentration might not even be able to last that long. 

This is perfectly normal, and it suggests that productivity is not just about the amount of time spent on a project. On the other hand, it would be a mistake to define productivity by the sheer volume of content produced. Quantity does not always equal quality, and a successful career requires both factors. 

While an exact definition of productivity might be difficult to pinpoint, this thought experiment can lead us to prioritize quality-centered productivity. 

Quality-Centered Productivity 

Over the course of his career, Newport has offered the same advice for those looking to live a more productive, “deep” life: “Do fewer things. Do them better. Know why you’re doing them.” In Slow Productivity, he adds a new principle to the mix: “Work at a natural pace.” 

Taken together, these four ideas can begin to lead us towards a more healthy relationship with our work. 

First, we need to know what things matter to us, both on a personal and professional level. This means accurately evaluating our skills and talents. It also means knowing what things you can work on for the long-term. When we prioritize fewer things that really matter and that align with our expertise, we eliminate the other more insignificant tasks that vie for our attention. Choosing to focus on fewer tasks allows us to pay greater attention to producing with an eye to quality. And all of this enables us to begin working at a more sustainable pace. 

At first, we might be skeptical of advice that tells us to ease up on the work. But what slow, quality-centered productivity brings to the table is the ability to work more effectively, not less. 

In a culture dominated by workaholism that promises results but yields only burnout, choosing a more sustainable approach can help us to keep making progress without sacrificing quality—or sanity—in the process.