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Slow productivity with Cal Newport
Most of us know that multitasking is a trap — that trying to tackle several things at once often results in most of them being done poorly (or not at all). And yet we keep toggling between tasks because modern work environments divert us with emails to answer and meetings to endure. Burnout often results.
So what’s the solution? Productivity expert Cal Newport suggests tapping the brakes and practicing what he calls slow productivity, a type of languid intentionality that values long-term output over performative activity. Slow doesn’t have to mean less, though. By working in a more focused, natural manner, you’ll likely accomplish more and feel better about the process.
Cal Newport is a computer scientist and the author of the book Slow Productivity. In this video lesson, Newport explores strategies for breaking free from cycles of busyness and burnout and increasing work quality and happiness.
Learning objectives:
Increase your cognitive capacity and concentration at work
Balance your work-rest cycles
Build a sense of pride in your work
Develop a deep-work routine
Optimize your productivity when working remotely
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Lessons:
Lesson 1: Do Fewer Things (Principle 1)
Picture a tightrope walker, carefully stepping across a wire hoisted high in the air. To do so without falling, they must maintain constant equilibrium paired with single-minded attention. Distractions are dangerous.
Lesson 2: Work at a Natural Pace (Principle 2)
The Industrial Revolution contributed to many of today’s work habits, pushing us towards constant high-intensity effort, no matter the industry. And while this kind of regimentation may have helped speed up the production of goods, it’s not a very natural state for human beings to work in.
Lesson 3: Obsess Over Quality (Principle 3)
In a world where hustle culture reigns supreme, slowing down to focus on quality can feel like a radical act. But productivity expert Cal Newport argues that taking pride in your work and focusing on what truly matters (which, let’s face it, both tend to decelerate your pace a bit) can lead to better outcomes … and also a more satisfying and enjoyable e…
Lesson 4: Enter a Deep-Work State
How many times during your work day would you say you check your email? What about your team’s messaging app? Social media? Be honest — we won’t tell.
Lesson 5: Stabilize Your Schedule with Time Blocking
The gulf between the work day we imagine and the one we actually have is often wide. Early in the day, we might sit down purposefully, eager to gain traction on a project we know will take all of our brainpower until lunch. But five minutes in, we get a ping from our boss about the afternoon meeting. Then a coworker needs “one tiny thing.” And so on, un…
Lesson 6: How to Implement Slow Productivity in Your Organization
When things are going well on a team, it can feel like a well-oiled machine … every component works in harmony, and everything runs smoothly without any hitches. But when a team isn’t functioning properly, it feels more like a sinking ship – no matter how hard you try, you just can't keep it afloat.
Lesson 7: Design Remote-Capable Workflows
We hear a lot about boundaries these days. From digital boundaries like managing screen time to emotional boundaries that protect mental health, many experts advise setting limits as an important component of well-being and happiness.
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