A Yogic Perspective on Doing Less, Better

It's a good holiday read before you get back to work.

My only previous experience with Cal Newport was reading "Deep Work," which I enjoyed.

I saw this book several weeks ago but didn't buy it at first – I thought it was just another book telling us to slow down.

Then I saw a page from the book on Instagram that caught my attention, and I decided to give it a chance.

What is Slow Productivity?

At its heart, Slow Productivity is simple: do fewer things, but do them better and in a way you can sustain over time.

Newport shows how our push to get more done actually backfires. When we try to do too much, we burn out, our work suffers, and we end up accomplishing less that truly matters.

This reminded me of a teaching from yoga's Hatha Pradipika:

"धीरेण प्रयत्नेन विजितः प्राणवायुना" - "by slow, gentle effort, the life-force is conquered."

Just like rushing through breathing exercises in yoga gives poor results, rushing through our work leads to lower quality and less satisfaction.

The book pushes back against the "more is better" mindset many of us live by. Instead of filling every minute with tasks, Newport suggests focusing on fewer, more meaningful activities that connect with what truly matters to you.

Key Takeaways from the Book

1. The Power of Working at a Steady Pace

Newport shows that maintaining a steady, manageable pace of work brings better long-term results than working in bursts followed by recovery.

This mirrors how we practice yoga poses - with steady, comfortable effort (sthira sukham asanam) as Patanjali teaches, rather than pushing until we collapse.

2. Quality Over Quantity

By doing less, we can actually make a bigger impact. When we reduce our workload, we create room to do things with greater care and excellence.

It's not just about cutting back – it's about making space for work that matters more.

3. The Problem with Switching Tasks

When we jump between different tasks, our mind never fully focuses on any one thing. Newport calls this "attention residue" – part of our brain is still thinking about other tasks.

This scattered attention prevents us from doing our best work.

4. Learning to Say No

One of the most useful parts of the book is Newport's approach to turning down commitments that don't align with your core work.

This connects with the yoga principle of aparigraha (non-greed) – recognizing we can't do everything, and we shouldn't try.

How Slow Productivity Connects with Yoga

The similarities between Newport's ideas and yoga principles are clear. The Bhagavad Gita advises:

"योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि" - "Established in yoga, perform action."

This means we should work from a centered, balanced state – not from stress or pressure.

Yoga also teaches us about patience and steady progress. The Gheranda Samhita says:

"सिद्धिर्भवति कालेन न तु संवत्सरादपि" - "Success comes with time, not merely in a year."

This fits perfectly with Newport's idea that meaningful progress happens through slow, deliberate effort – not through quick fixes.

Newport's approach also reminds me of sadhana – the yoga practice of consistent, dedicated effort. Just as we don't master yoga poses overnight, meaningful work takes time and patience, not rushed effort.

Putting Slow Productivity into Practice

Here are some simple ways I've been trying Newport's ideas:

1. Make a "might do" list instead of a "to-do" list: Keep a list of possibilities and choose what matters most, rather than trying to do everything.
2. Set aside focus blocks: I use 90-minute blocks for my most important work, with no interruptions.
3. Think before saying yes: When asked to take on something new, I use Newport's method to check if it truly fits with my main goals.
4. End work with a closing ritual: Just like we end yoga with relaxation, I've created a small ritual to signal the end of my workday.

The hardest part has been pushing back against the pressure to always look busy. Newport helps with this too, offering simple ways to explain your approach to others.

How It Compares to Deep Work

Having read both books, I see them as partners rather than repeats.

Deep Work focuses on how to concentrate deeply on hard tasks, while Slow Productivity looks more broadly at managing your whole work life.

If you're wondering which to read first, I'd suggest Deep Work if you struggle with focus, or Slow Productivity if you feel overwhelmed by too many commitments.

Newport's thinking has evolved. Deep Work emphasized maximizing performance, while Slow Productivity puts more weight on sustainability and wellbeing.

Who Would Benefit Most from This Book

This book is perfect for:

• People who feel swamped by endless tasks
• Anyone struggling with burnout or work-life balance
• Managers who want to create healthier work environments
• People looking for a more sustainable approach to their career

You might not need it if you're already working at a comfortable pace or if your work doesn't involve much thinking and problem-solving.

Final Thoughts

In yoga, we talk about finding balance between effort (abhyasa) and letting go (vairagya).

Newport's Slow Productivity offers a practical version of this wisdom – showing that real accomplishment comes not from frantic activity but from focused engagement with what truly matters.

As the Bhagavad Gita says:

"योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्" - "Yoga is skill in action."

This book helps develop that skill in our daily work.

Have you read any of Newport's books? What helps you stay focused and balanced in your work?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Om!