
Calm productivity for academics
This site is now an archive of my previous work. I have moved all my ongoing writing to https://michael-rowe.github.io/home-michael/
Rigid “every day” habits often fail due to psychological pressure. A more forgiving “daily-ish” approach paradoxically leads to better consistency. By lowering perfectionist standards in academic work—writing, email, reading, and planning—you create mental space for meaningful progress while being kinder to yourself.
Stretch goals are goals that have you working just beyond the limit of what’s comfortable for you. While there’s a certain amount of challenge that’s necessary to keep getting better, it’s not worth sacrificing your well-being.