Seen this same thing with people following outdated recipes to the letter even when ingredients have changed. They waste time and miss out on better results because they won't adapt. Sticking to old rules without seeing if they still work messes up plenty of everyday jobs.

Adjust some numbers to make our project look better? That's always a red flag for me. It's like putting lipstick on a pig, but for reports. Once you start fudging data, it's a slippery slope to where no one trusts anything. Your move to chat with a senior colleague was smart, because saying no directly can backfire. Bosses who ask for this stuff probably know it's wrong but hope you'll play along. Honestly, if the project needs number magic to look good, maybe fix the project instead.

Dead malls are too hollow for that. Try a public library or a diner mid-afternoon. The low background noise gives your brain something to latch onto without the crowd.