Obsess Over Quality: Why Slowing Down Might Be the Smartest Move You Make
Over the past weeks, I’ve been reflecting on Slow Productivity, a concept shared by Cal Newport that invites us to reimagine how we work. Not just what we get done, but how we feel while doing it.
We’ve already explored the first two principles:
1. Do fewer things
2. Work at a natural pace
Now let’s talk about the third one:
3. Obsess Over Quality
But don’t let the word “obsess” mislead you. This isn’t about perfectionism.
This is about care. Attention. Integrity.
It’s about falling back in love with your craft and taking pride in doing something really well.
The Power of Slowing Down
When I rush, or feel rushed, I tend to let things slide. I notice it in the small details I miss, the quality I compromise, and honestly, the sense of disappointment that follows.
But when I give myself a little more breathing room, something shifts. I notice the details. The important ones. I’m more present. More thoughtful. More proud of what I create.
One of my favourite real-world examples of this is Steve Jobs. He famously insisted that the circuit boards inside Apple computers (details most people would never see), be beautiful.
That wasn’t about being difficult. It was about believing that quality runs through everything, seen or unseen.
Your Pace, Your Rhythm
If you thrive on speed and quick decisions, that’s valid. Go with it.
But if your best work comes from moving more slowly, honour that rhythm.
What matters most is not how fast you move, but how aligned your pace is with who you are and how you work best.
When we:
Do fewer things
Work at a natural pace
Obsess over quality
We create a deeply satisfying, sustainable alternative to hustle culture.
Your Pace, Your Rhythm
In some environments, taking more time can be mistaken for procrastination or perfectionism. We’ve all felt the pressure of the “I want it now” mindset.
But real quality, and real creativity, often require more space. Not less.
More care. Not less.
So here’s something to try.
Try This:
Choose one task (just one) that really matters to you.
Give yourself a little more time to do it. Maybe an extra hour. Maybe just fifteen more minutes.
See how that changes your experience. And the result.
You might be surprised by what emerges when you give yourself permission to go deeper.
And if your first reaction is, “I don’t have time,”
I hear you.
But remember: this is for you.
Not for me. Not for someone else.
If it really matters, and you really want to do it, you will find the time.
As Stephen R. Covey said,
“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.”
Allow yourself to create something you’re proud of.
It’s better to try than to look back and wish you had.
A Gentle Tool to Help You Reclaim Your Time
If you’re craving more space in your day, for yourself, for meaningful work, or the people you love, the Daily Debrief can help.
It’s a simple, lightweight tracker I created to help you get clear on where your energy is going and what to shift. If that sounds like something you need, click here to download your copy.
A Personal Note
When I was writing this post, I caught myself wanting to rush through it. I was nearly out the door for my singing class, and I thought, I’ll just finish it quickly before I leave.
But I didn’t. I paused.
I went to my session. I came back. I finished it with more space, more calm, more care.
And I’m so glad I did.
So let me ask you this:
Which piece of work would truly shine if you gave it more time and attention?
You’ve got one?
Then give it what it deserves.
P.S. Check out the other post from this series here 👇