12 Reasons Why Working Less Can Help You Get More Done

5. Doing What Matters Most (Not Just More)

The secret to true productivity isn’t how much you do, but what you choose to focus on. Productivity expert Sháá Wasmund reminds us, “True productivity isn’t about doing more, but about doing what matters most.” When we fill every hour with task after task, we can lose sight of our core goals and values. Working less gently forces us to prioritize—to ask, what really needs my attention right now? By focusing your effort on what moves the needle, you create more meaning and greater impact with less wasted energy. Try ranking your daily or weekly tasks by importance and see where you can trim. Give yourself permission to let go of activities that don’t serve your bigger picture. Remember, sometimes the bravest decision is to say “no” to the unnecessary, so you have the resources to say “yes” to the essential.

6. The J-Curve: Why New Tools Mean Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain

Change always arrives with growing pains, and adjusting how we work is no exception. The "J-curve" is a phenomenon observed in productivity research: when organizations introduce new tools or processes—like AI or bold schedule changes—there can be an initial dip in output before a big upswing. Academic studies, including those from MIT, found that companies often see performance decline a bit as people adjust and learn. But stick with it, and the results flip from loss to significant gain. This insight is crucial for anyone hoping to make lasting change. It shows that working less or introducing tech improvements isn’t a magic switch—it’s a process. When setbacks come, they don’t mean the idea is flawed. In fact, short-term friction might be the surest sign you’re on the verge of long-term transformation. Embracing patience during these times can often be the key to reaping the full rewards.