The Head Space approach is built on principles that help academics move from reactive busyness to intentional scholarship. These principles inform everything we do, from course design to coaching conversations.
Calm productivity is the foundational principle for Head Space, asserting that your greatest contributions happen when you can work from a place of calm focus. Learn more about calm productivity →
- Progress comes from sustained, focused effort, not frantic activity
- Mental clarity is essential for meaningful scholarly work
- Sustainable practices lead to better outcomes than burnout-inducing sprints
Intentional practice. Create deliberate practices and workflows that support your most important work, rather than letting circumstances dictate your day.
- Every workflow choice should align with deeper scholarly purpose
- Small, consistent actions compound into significant achievements
- Time and attention should be protected for high-value work
Adaptive systems.
- Scholarly workflows should be flexible enough to evolve with changing needs
- Solutions should emerge from understanding complex academic contexts
- One size doesn’t fit all – practices must adapt to individual circumstances
Human-centred technology
- Technology should support scholarly practice, not dictate it
- Digital tools should reduce cognitive load, not increase it
- Innovation should serve human needs and values
Community and connection
- Knowledge creation thrives in supportive communities
- Public engagement enriches scholarly work
- Shared experiences can inspire positive change
Explore the online courses, designed specifically for busy academics. Each course helps you implement small, sustainable changes that create lasting impact on your daily workflow. No extra workload, no deadlines—just practical guidance for making progress on what matters most.