Slow Down for Increased Productivity

Many people may associate doing things slower as slacking off, or laziness, however, that is far from the truth. We live in such a hurried world that is far from how we evolved. This busyness is not bringing us any greater productivity, if anything it is a contributor to increasing rates of illness, debt and unhappiness among modern cultures. These are disastrous for productivity. If we slowed down, worked less hours, and scheduled less events, then we would actually be more rested, have more energy and have time for focus, reflection and contemplation. 

Check out this parable about the Mexican fisherman and the investment banker: www.renewablewealth.com/the-parable-of-the-mexican-fisherman

The slow movement started with slow food as resistance to fast food restaurants popping up all over the world. But, since then, the slow movement has gone on to capture slow money, slow art and slow building. Basically, the slow movement concept embodies a more natural and instinctual way for us to live to combat modern stresses and live healthier, wealthier and happier lives.

This is about quality.

We can’t achieve the same quality in a hurried world, so if we want increased productivity and a sustainable economy, then we need to slow down. Here is an illustration of that point: If corporations were to cut the 40 week work week down by about 5 hours or so, they will see that productivity will actually increase, at no cost to the company or the workers. Reduced work hours (even with a pay cut) will increase our health and happiness, which money can’t buy. That is true wealth.

How do we achieve this balance?

Start with the work place. Can you get part time hours? Can you ask for a few days of telecommuting to save the time spent getting ready for work and driving to and from the office? Companies would be smart to offer these options more often so that they can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and reduce costly turnover rates.  Even better, can you try working freelance or build up residual income (see previous post)?

Next, once you have more time from reduced work hours, try to use the extra time to slow down in other aspects of your life.

Can you slow down with your family? Can you walk or ride a bike to pick up your kids from school so that you and the kids are getting more exercise? Can you schedule unstructured play time for the kids?

How about errands? Can you walk or bike to the store? Can you avoid/donate clothes that need dry cleaning? Can you cut down on time spent shopping for stuff?

What about meals? Can you plant a garden or spend a leisurely Saturday morning at a community farmers market getting to know the people who grow your food? Can you spend time making meals from whole, fresh ingredients? Can you get your family to help with meal preparation?

How about the household chores? Try letting the grass grow taller. You will save time mowing it every week, but also, you will cut down on the need to water the grass and to use fertilizer. Better yet, replace the grass with a low maintenance natural ecosystem. If you move to a smaller dwelling, you will have less cleaning and maintenance both inside and out.

There are many other ways to achieve this slower paced life, but I also recommend spending less time watching TV, or better yet, get rid of it altogether (see previous post).

You will find that incorporating these concepts into your life will profoundly simplify your life so that you can truly achieve optimum health, wealth and happiness.

You will gain health through more physical exercise and healthier eating. You will save money on driving, gym memberships, eating out and home maintenance services. You will gain a tremendous sense of happiness from a more balanced life.