The Progress Principle uses more than 11,000 work diaries to argue that the most essential aspect of a satisfying work life is to make noticeable progress on meaningful projects on a daily basis. Progress leads to positive emotions, which leads to more creativity and more productivity. The end result is a spiral of goodness.

What does this mean for academic life? First, this book emphasizes the importance of setting daily benchmarks for regular work on high-value activities (aka writing for publication). This approach is not news. Boice suggests regular but time-limited writing sessions; Belcher suggests a series of daily scheduled subtasks directed at producing publication-worthy articles at a fairly brisk pace. The 4 Disciplines of Execution can help implement a new resolution for trying one of these systems (especially in terms of tracking, benchmarking, and troubleshooting). And Cal Newport argues for the importance of mastery and deep work in order to constantly improve one’s valuable skills.

Aside from reframing the usual advice about regular writing and research, this book also provides helpful ways of thinking about the frustrations of academic life. The disproportionate negative influence of setbacks and toxic situations (such as corrosive departmental politics, harsh feedback, lack of resources, loneliness, and chronic disorganization) deplete motivation, reduce creativity, and can create a negative spiral that makes success nearly impossible. This book provides a compelling argument for universities to pay more attention to the “touchy-feely” side of faculty life and campus climate: a positive, supportive atmosphere will result in more productivity and happiness among the faculty. Lower attrition rates and fewer searches might result!

Finally, The Progress Principle suggests some interesting corollaries for pedagogy and helping students. Once again the question of climate is critical. And assignments that let students experience regular incremental progress on meaningful tasks might be most beneficial.

Quotable:

“By its very nature, meaningful work is hard; people often get the greatest satisfaction from overcoming the most difficult challenges. Failure is inevitable along the path to innovation. Though you should try to minimize obstacles and setbacks under your control, you can never create a problem-free bubble.”

~T. Amabile and S. Kramer (2011) The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work, p. 177.