Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

In factory work, productivity is easily measured by widgets produced and time spent working. Knowledge work is different. However, we try to focus on the same productivity measures. We often force ourselves to keep busy and spend time doing lots of things. However, this business can distract us from actually being productive. Newport encourages us to take breaks and not overly schedule. We can allocate a meeting-free time when we can work. Or we can give ourselves one chunk of time for our own work for every chunk we devote to helping others. It helps to communicate well with others. We can list what we have on our plate and when they can expect to have things finished. Going outside our fields can be helpful for inspiration. (As an example, a writer might second-guess himself when reading other books. However, movies can provide creative insight without self-criticism.) It is also important to scheduled breaks and downtime. Especially in knowledge work, time spent working does not equate with productivity.