Why are we so exhausted? Almost buried under ever-growing busy schedules, we find ourselves being pulled into so many different directions, both at home and in the office. It is as if we are just pushing ourselves toward burnout and a profound sense of emptiness, dissatisfaction, or aimlessness.

There is an alternative—a “slowness revolution.” In Slow Productivity, Cal Newport argues that meaningful accomplishment can result from doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality.

He recommends reducing obligations (in other words, selecting and organizing work and learning to say “no”) so that things can be accomplished with time to spare. Newport, a professor of computer science at Georgetown University, claims that “focusing intensely on a small number of tasks, waiting to finish each before bringing on something new, is objectively a much better way to use our brains to produce valuable output.”

The second principle of slow productivity recommends working at a calmer speed while engaging in long-term planning (say, what would you like to accomplish in the next five years?), doubling our project timelines, and simplifying our workday. Focusing on what we really want to accomplish leads to plans that can be completed at a more leisurely pace.

Finally, he recommends obsessing over quality, while avoiding the risky pursuit of perfection. Ultimately, Newport talks about organizing work in a sustainable and meaningful manner—yet why not also think about organizing “life” in a sustainable and meaningful manner? From childrearing to substance use recovery and entrepreneurial endeavors, there is almost not a thing we do that could not be made more sustainable and meaningful by applying Newport’s three principles.

Easier said than done, I know. If you are struggling and need help, take a look at my therapy approach and let’s work together.