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Hi Reader,

How productive were you this past week?

I was super productive.

Want to know my secret? It wasn’t a new app, a fancy planning tool, or working longer hours.

It was something much simpler: I spent time alone.

Time for yourself

I used to be a go-go-go kind of person, filling every waking moment with activities and always surrounded by people. Now, I give myself space between social commitments, and this time alone has become just as valuable as the gatherings themselves. It allows me to breathe, reflect, and prepare for what comes next.

This means I very much enjoy my social time, but I need alone time to help me process, problem solve and be creative. Your balance might look different, because everyone’s path is unique.

Productivity boost

I recently watched a movie called “Perfect Days”. It’s a story of a toilet cleaner named Hirayama who spends his days cleaning high-tech public washrooms in Tokyo, Japan.

After his day job, the rest of Hirayama’s time is devoted to simple pleasures like reading, watering plants, photographing sunlight through trees, and cycling. Hirayama’s routine may appear ordinary, yet the film shows how he finds quiet joy in each moment. In a fast-paced city like Tokyo, his life of simplicity and repetition almost seems unusual.

And wow, could Hirayama clean a toilet! The film showed the care he brings to the job, far beyond his coworker, a true picture of productivity. I believe his time spent alone could be fueling some of that productivity.

I’m not suggesting that we spend all our free time in complete solitude, like the character in the film. The key is finding balance.

Step away for progress

Think about those company projects that never seem to gain momentum. Instead of scheduling another meeting or searching for answers online, try stepping away for a while.

Spend some alone time doing something you enjoy, which could be walking through the woods near your home or office, listening to music, or doodling. Give your mind space, and often the right ideas will find their way in.

There’s real power in simplicity. Quiet moments spent in our own company doing something simple help us recharge, so when we return to the challenge, we bring fresh energy, sharper focus, and greater productivity. After time spent away from others, we may even find ourselves more open to compromise and collaboration.

As an added bonus, research also shows that spending time alone can actually improve your overall well-being. People who spent more time alone often felt calmer and less stressed. They also reported feeling more free to be themselves and make their own choices.

How much time will you set aside for yourself this week to recharge and boost your productivity? I’d love to hear how it works for you.

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