What Is Slow Productivity?

Productivity has long been associated with doing more in less time—endless to-do lists, packed calendars, and the pressure to hustle 24/7. But this obsession with doing more more MORE often leads to burnout, shallow work, and a lack of creativity. Working harder doesn’t always mean working better.

What if productivity wasn’t about squeezing more into your day but about focusing on what truly matters? Enter slow productivity—a mindset shift that prioritises sustainable, meaningful work over constant busyness.

What is slow productivity?

The term "slow productivity" was popularised by Cal Newport in 2023, but the philosophy behind it has existed for decades. At its core, slow productivity is about working at a sustainable pace, focusing on deep, meaningful work, and minimising unnecessary urgency.

Unlike hustle culture, which glorifies constant work, slow productivity acknowledges that creativity and effectiveness require space, time, and rest. It’s not about working less but about working smarter, with intention.

The core principles of slow productivity

1. Work at a sustainable pace

Artificial urgency and an “always-on” mindset lead to stress and inefficiency. Slow productivity encourages working in alignment with your energy levels and focusing on quality over speed.

2. Focus on deep, meaningful work

Modern work is filled with distractions—endless emails, notifications, and shallow tasks that feel productive but don’t contribute to really moving the needle. Deep work, a concept Newport champions, involves eliminating distractions and concentrating on demanding tasks for the brain.

3. Minimise unnecessary work

Not all work is valuable. Meetings, redundant reports, and admin tasks can take up time, often without producing real results. Slow productivity involves cutting down on these inefficiencies to make space for impactful work.

Why slow productivity works (and why it’s the future)

Burnout is not a badge of honour

A 2024 study by BCG found that half of workers around the world are struggling with burnout. Long hours don’t necessarily lead to better results—often, they lead to exhaustion and diminishing returns.

Deep work leads to better work

Research shows that multitasking reduces productivity. When you focus on fewer tasks with greater attention, you produce higher-quality work in less time.

Sustainable systems drive long-term success

Productivity isn’t about sprinting—it’s a marathon. Businesses implementing 4-day workweeks have seen increased efficiency and reduced stress, proving that better work isn’t about working more but working smarter.

Why Notion is the perfect tool for slow productivity

Slow productivity isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what truly matters, in a way that aligns with your energy, priorities, and long-term goals. And when it comes to building a system that supports this approach, Notion is one of the best tools out there.

Here’s why:

Customisation to fit your way of working

Unlike rigid productivity tools, Notion lets you design a workflow that works for you, not the other way around. You can build a system that matches your natural rhythms, whether that means structured databases or a more fluid, flexible workspace.

Minimalism for focus

Notion can be as complex or as simple as you need it to be. For slow productivity, a minimalist setup reduces distractions and decision fatigue. A clean, well-structured dashboard helps you focus on your most meaningful tasks without being overwhelmed by an endless to-do list.

Big picture and micro-tracking

One of the core ideas of slow productivity is maintaining a balance between long-term progress and day-to-day execution. With Notion, you can zoom out to see your high-level goals and then break them down into small, sustainable steps—ensuring steady, intentional progress without burnout.

Reflection and journaling

Since slow productivity also encourages self-awareness and adjusting as needed, Notion makes it easy to integrate reflection into your system. Whether it’s a simple daily check-in or a structured weekly review, having a space to note what’s working (and what’s not) helps you stay aligned with your priorities.

Flexibility

Life isn’t predictable, and slow productivity embraces that. Notion’s adaptability means you can shift your setup as your needs evolve—whether you’re adjusting for a new work schedule, a creative project, or a period of rest.

How I incorporate slow productivity into my work

Productivity should be human, adaptable, and aligned with your energy and goals. Hustle culture is outdated—it’s time for an approach that nurtures rather than depletes.

As I write this article, I’m currently travelling across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany—all by train. And while I love travelling, this trip has made me a bit anxious about work. I haven’t been able to be “as productive as I should be” (look at those ingrained beliefs), but it’s also reminded me why I do what I do.

Slow productivity isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about making space for the things that matter. And my Notion system has been a huge part of that.

My daily dashboard is designed to help me prioritise, not overwhelm. Tasks are classified by priority, so even on days packed with travel and activities, I can quickly see what actually needs to get done. This means that even in the middle of a 18-hour train ride or between exploring new cities, I can focus on the essentials—like writing this article.

And honestly? This approach has made work feel lighter. Instead of feeling guilty about not doing more, I’ve been able to enjoy the experience and make meaningful progress. That, to me, is the essence of slow productivity.

How to practise slow productivity in your own work and life

• Identify your high-impact tasks. Focus on work that actually moves the needle. Drop the rest.

• Set boundaries around work. Define your work hours and protect them—no more “always-on” culture.

• Create a system that supports your pace. Use Notion, time-blocking, or simple lists—whatever works for you.

• Prioritise quality over quantity. Doing fewer things well > doing everything half-heartedly.

The future of productivity: Slower, smarter, more sustainable

Slow productivity isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. More people are realising that less but better is the way forward. If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place. Let’s build a better approach to work—one that actually works for you.

🚀 Want to create a productivity system that works for you, not against you? Check out my Notion templates or book a consulting session to design a workflow that supports your goals.