The chapter explores the historical evolution of productivity practices, tracing from the optimistic views of the past to the practical methods of the modern era. It discusses the impact of technology on work habits and contrasts visible activity with actual useful effort in knowledge work. The narrative emphasizes the shift towards essentialism, deep work, and finding a balance between productivity and personal well-being.
Cal Newport is a computer science professor at Georgetown University, a productivity expert and an author.
If you’ve ever felt that you’re not as productive as you could be, you’re not alone. But what if the goal isn't to be more productive, but to let go of the goals that aren't serving you? What if the power of saying no to more things is the most important skill you can develop?
Expect to learn what our current problem with being productive is, why pseudo-productivity is a catastrophe, the advantages to what Cal calls Slow Productivity, how to better organise your communication, the best strategies for implementing a productivity schedule, how to stop saying yes all the time and much more...