Why I Work 7 Days A Week... (Productivity and Burnout)

Summary

In this talk, the speaker explains how working seven days a week can actually reduce burnout and increase productivity by optimizing creative energy and task management. They emphasize that work is heterogeneous—some tasks are enjoyable while others are draining. By spacing out work, mentally composting ideas, and tackling dreaded tasks over the weekend, one can feel more energized and productive throughout the week. The speaker shares strategies on how to structure work to prevent exhaustion and enhance long-term output, challenging conventional views on work-life balance.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Work is heterogeneous in nature, consisting of both tasks you enjoy and those you don't, and understanding this can help optimize productivity.
• 📅 The speaker works seven days a week, which may sound counterintuitive, but it actually decreases burnout and increases energy levels.
• 🔥 Burnout is often caused by the way certain tasks drain us, especially those we dislike. By managing these tasks better, we can avoid feeling constantly overwhelmed.
• 🎨 Creative work requires energy that regenerates over time, and forcing too much of it in one day can reduce the quality of output.
• 📖 The speaker reads and learns on weekends to stay productive without overwhelming themselves, avoiding the need to cram excessive reading during the week.
• 🧠 Mental composting is a key to the speaker's productivity, allowing ideas to develop and grow over time rather than forcing quick output.
• 📝 Certain small, dreaded tasks are best handled on weekends to free up mental space and prevent them from weighing down the workweek.
• ⚖️ Not all work is the same—some tasks like teaching are invigorating, while others like administrative work are draining, so it's important to balance them.
• 🔄 Spacing out creative work over several days leads to better quality results and makes the process more enjoyable and fulfilling.
• ✔️ Tackling even small, disliked tasks on weekends can create a sense of freedom and accomplishment, making Mondays less overwhelming.

Q & A

Why does the speaker work seven days a week?

The speaker works seven days a week because they find it invigorating and productive. Contrary to the idea that working continuously leads to burnout, they explain that managing different types of tasks and focusing on creative work helps them feel more energized and productive.

What does the speaker mean by 'heterogeneous' work?

By 'heterogeneous,' the speaker means that work is not a uniform experience. Different tasks within work vary in their emotional and energy impact. Some tasks may be enjoyable, while others are draining, and understanding this difference can help optimize productivity and reduce burnout.

How does the speaker distinguish between different types of work?

The speaker distinguishes between tasks that are mentally draining, such as administrative work, and those that are invigorating, like creative or teaching-related work. They emphasize that not all work burns you out equally, and it’s important to recognize what kinds of work give you energy versus those that take it away.

Why does working seven days a week reduce burnout for the speaker?

Working seven days a week reduces burnout for the speaker because they spread out their tasks according to energy levels, allowing for mental composting and idea generation. This approach makes them more efficient and reduces the pressure of handling everything on weekdays.

What is 'mental composting' according to the speaker?

Mental composting refers to the process of letting ideas settle and grow in the subconscious over time. The speaker emphasizes that by giving their brain time to process information, they generate better ideas and become more efficient in their work.

How does creative work differ from other types of work for the speaker?

Creative work, for the speaker, is unique because it requires inspiration and cannot be done for long periods at once. The speaker explains that they have a limited battery for creative work, and doing it in short bursts throughout the week, including weekends, helps maintain high-quality output.

Why does the speaker prefer doing dreaded tasks on the weekend?

The speaker prefers doing dreaded tasks on the weekend because it mentally frees them up for the week ahead. By completing the least enjoyable tasks early, they enter the week without the looming pressure of unfinished tasks, making the rest of the workweek more enjoyable and productive.

How does the speaker handle reading research papers, and why do they space it out?

The speaker handles reading research papers by spreading them out over the weekend, typically reading five papers a day. They find that they retain and process information better by spacing out the reading rather than cramming it all into one day.

How does the speaker's approach to creative work help with efficiency?

The speaker’s approach to creative work—doing it in short bursts and allowing mental composting—helps with efficiency because it prevents burnout and ensures that the work quality remains high. They allow time for their subconscious to process ideas, reducing the amount of active time needed to produce good work.

What does the speaker suggest about managing tasks that burn you out?

The speaker suggests tackling small, mentally draining tasks on the weekends so that they don’t hang over your head during the week. By getting them out of the way, you free yourself from the mental burden, allowing you to focus on tasks you enjoy and increasing your overall productivity.