Episode # 98: Thursday is the New Friday: A Discussion with Joe Sanok

✍️ EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this enlightening episode of The Five Core Life podcast, host Will Moore sits down with Joe Sanok, author of the groundbreaking book "Thursday is the New Friday". Joe challenges conventional wisdom about work schedules and productivity, proposing a revolutionary approach to the workweek that could transform how we balance our professional and personal lives.

Joe Sanok, a counselor turned business consultant, shares insights from his book "Thursday is the New Friday", explaining how the traditional five-day workweek is an outdated construct that no longer serves our modern society. He argues that by embracing a four-day workweek, we can boost creativity, increase productivity, and achieve a better work-life balance.

Throughout the conversation, Joe and Will explore the historical context of the workweek, the science behind productivity, and practical strategies for implementing a four-day schedule. They discuss how the concept "Thursday is the New Friday" can be applied not just to traditional employment settings, but also to entrepreneurship and personal development.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling burnt out, struggling with work-life balance, or simply curious about innovative approaches to time management and productivity. Joe's "Thursday is the New Friday" philosophy offers a fresh perspective on how we can optimize our time, energy, and creativity to achieve more while working less.

📖 CHAPTER SUMMARIES

1. The Origin of the Workweek (2:58 - 6:14) Joe Sanok delves into the fascinating history behind our current workweek structure. He explains that the seven-day week is a Babylonian invention, not a natural occurrence. Joe reveals how Henry Ford introduced the 40-hour workweek in 1926, primarily to sell more cars. This historical context sets the stage for understanding why "Thursday is the New Friday" is not just a catchy phrase, but a call to reevaluate our deeply ingrained assumptions about work.

2. The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture (6:15 - 9:01) The discussion shifts to how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in work culture. Joe and Will explore how remote work and flexible schedules have become more prevalent, making concepts like "Thursday is the New Friday" more relevant than ever. They discuss how this shift is prompting both individuals and organizations to reconsider traditional work paradigms.

3. The Science of Productivity and Creativity (9:02 - 12:45) Joe shares insights from "Thursday is the New Friday" about the neuroscience behind productivity and creativity. He explains how slowing down and allowing for mental rest can paradoxically lead to increased output and innovation. This section challenges the "hustle culture" mentality and provides scientific backing for why "Thursday is the New Friday" can lead to better results.

4. Implementing a Four-Day Workweek (12:46 - 16:30) Practical advice on how to transition to a four-day workweek is discussed. Joe outlines strategies from his book "Thursday is the New Friday" for individuals and businesses looking to make this shift. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and maximizing productivity during work hours.

5. Balancing the Five Core Areas of Life (16:31 - 20:15) Will and Joe discuss how the "Thursday is the New Friday" concept aligns with the Five Core Areas of Life: Mindset, Career & Finances, Relationships, Physical Health, and Emotional & Mental Health. They explore how a four-day workweek can contribute to better balance and growth in each of these areas.

6. Overcoming Resistance to Change (20:16 - 23:42) The conversation addresses common objections to the four-day workweek and how to overcome them. Joe shares examples from "Thursday is the New Friday" of companies and individuals who have successfully made the transition, demonstrating that it's possible across various industries and lifestyles.

7. The Role of Technology in the New Workweek (23:43 - 27:10) Joe and Will discuss how technology can support the "Thursday is the New Friday" model. They explore tools and strategies for increasing efficiency and maintaining connectivity while working fewer days. This section provides practical tips for listeners looking to implement these changes in their own lives.

8. Redefining Success and Productivity (27:11 - 30:37) The conversation shifts to how *Thursday is the New Friday* challenges traditional definitions of success and productivity. Joe encourages listeners to focus on outcomes rather than hours worked, aligning with the book's philosophy of working smarter, not just harder. This approach promotes a more balanced work-life integration, advocating for efficiency and personal fulfillment over mere time spent.

9. Personal Growth and the Four-Day Workweek (30:38 - 34:05) Joe shares how embracing the "Thursday is the New Friday" concept can lead to personal growth and development. He discusses the opportunities for learning, creativity, and self-reflection that a shorter workweek can provide, tying back to the core principles of his book, including enhanced work-life balance, increased productivity, and improved mental well-being.

10. The Future of Work and "Thursday is the New Friday" (34:06 - End) The episode concludes with Joe and Will speculating on the future of work. They discuss how ideas like "Thursday is the New Friday" might shape workplace policies, societal norms, and individual lifestyles in the years to come. Joe shares his vision for a world where work enhances, rather than detracts from, our overall quality of life.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The seven-day week and 40-hour workweek are human inventions, not natural laws. Understanding this history, as explained in "Thursday is the New Friday," allows us to challenge these norms and create more effective work structures, fostering an environment where flexibility and productivity can thrive.

2. Slowing down and allowing for mental rest can paradoxically increase productivity and creativity. This counterintuitive approach is a key principle of the "Thursday is the New Friday" philosophy, emphasizing that intentional breaks can enhance focus, innovative thinking, and overall job satisfaction.

3. Implementing a four-day workweek requires clear boundaries and prioritization. Joe Sanok's "Thursday is the New Friday" provides strategies for making this transition successfully, including practical tips for time management, employee engagement, and maintaining productivity while reducing hours.

4. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in work culture, making concepts like "Thursday is the New Friday" more relevant and achievable than ever before, as businesses and employees alike seek new ways to adapt, thrive, and maintain work-life balance in a rapidly changing world.

5. A four-day workweek can contribute to better balance across the Five Core Areas of Life: Mindset, Career & Finances, Relationships, Physical Health, and Emotional & Mental Health, by offering more time for personal pursuits, family activities, and self-care, leading to a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

6. Resistance to change is normal when considering a four-day workweek. "Thursday is the New Friday" offers examples and strategies for overcoming these obstacles, including addressing common concerns, fostering a positive mindset, and demonstrating the long-term benefits of a shorter workweek.

7. Technology can be a powerful tool in supporting a four-day workweek, increasing efficiency and maintaining connectivity. Leveraging digital tools and platforms can streamline workflows, enhance communication, and ensure that the transition to fewer workdays is smooth and productive.

8. The "Thursday is the New Friday" concept encourages a shift in focus from hours worked to outcomes achieved, redefining traditional notions of success and productivity. By emphasizing results over time spent, this approach fosters a culture of accountability and efficiency, benefiting both employees and employers.

9. Embracing a shorter workweek can create opportunities for personal growth, learning, and self-reflection, allowing individuals to pursue passions, engage in hobbies, and invest in personal development, ultimately leading to a more enriched and balanced life.

10. The future of work may increasingly align with the "Thursday is the New Friday" philosophy, prioritizing work-life balance and overall quality of life. As more organizations adopt flexible work arrangements, the traditional workweek model may evolve, leading to greater employee satisfaction and well-being.

11. Implementing "Thursday is the New Friday" principles can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout, as employees experience more time for rest and personal activities, enhancing their overall work experience and engagement.

12. The four-day workweek concept can be applied not just to traditional employment, but also to entrepreneurship and freelance work. By adopting these principles, independent professionals can improve their work-life balance and productivity while enjoying the flexibility of a shorter workweek.

13. "Thursday is the New Friday" emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery in the creative process, challenging the "always-on" mentality. By advocating for scheduled downtime, this approach fosters a healthier work environment and stimulates sustained creativity and innovation.

14. Adopting a four-day workweek can lead to improved mental health and reduced stress levels, as employees benefit from increased time for relaxation, personal interests, and family, resulting in a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

15. The "Thursday is the New Friday" approach encourages a more intentional use of time, both in work and personal life. By focusing on effective time management and prioritizing meaningful activities, individuals can achieve a better work-life integration and overall satisfaction.

🥇 GOLDEN HABIT

Definition of Golden Habit:

"A 'Golden Habit' is the optimal habit to relieve a pain point/replace a bad habit because it's personalized to your DNA, goals, and lifestyle in order to maximally reduce the friction to form it. The Golden Habit should be: DESIRABLE: Should be enjoyable and rewarding. PRACTICAL: Must easily integrate into one's existing routines. IMPACTFUL: Expected to significantly enhance well-being."

This Episode's Golden Habit: Implementing a "Slow Down to Speed Up" Day

In "Thursday is the New Friday", Joe Sanok emphasizes the importance of slowing down to ultimately increase productivity and creativity. The Golden Habit derived from this episode is implementing a weekly "Slow Down to Speed Up" day. This habit involves dedicating one day a week (ideally Thursday, in line with the book's title) to step back from regular work tasks and focus on big-picture thinking, creativity, and personal development.

Joe mentions this concept at 11:23 in the podcast, stating, "We know the brain does better when it slows down first. Often people are in this hashtag hustle culture... but to me, that just points to bad time management. When do we have our best ideas? When we're taking a shower, out for a hike, on a drive not listening to anything, just letting our brains wander."

This Golden Habit is:

- DESIRABLE: It provides a refreshing break from the usual work routine and allows for creative thinking. - PRACTICAL: It can be integrated into the workweek by shifting tasks and meetings to other days. - IMPACTFUL: It has the potential to significantly boost creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall job satisfaction.

Related Core Area:

This Golden Habit primarily aligns with the Career & Finances Core, as it directly impacts work productivity and creativity. However, it also positively influences the Mindset Core by encouraging a shift from a "hustle" mentality to a more balanced approach to work and life.

🚀 READY PLAYER ONE?

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🫅 BIO - Joe Sanok

Joe Sanok is a keynote speaker, business consultant, and author of the bestselling book "Thursday is the New Friday: How to Work Fewer Hours, Make More Money, and Spend Time Doing What You Want". He is the host of the popular podcast "The Practice of the Practice," where he shares insights on starting, growing, and scaling a private practice.

With a background as a counselor, Joe brings a unique perspective to business consulting, blending mental health insights with entrepreneurial strategies. He has been featured on Forbes, GOOD Magazine, and The Huffington Post, among other notable publications. Joe's work focuses on helping individuals and businesses optimize their time, increase productivity, and achieve a better work-life balance through innovative approaches like the four-day workweek.

Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Joe is not just a thought leader in the business world, but also a dedicated advocate for mental health and work-life balance. His ideas, particularly those presented in "Thursday is the New Friday," are reshaping how we think about work, productivity, and personal fulfillment in the modern world.