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ReThinking

How to be productive without burning out, with Cal Newport

Mar 5, 2024
Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown and bestselling author, shares insights from his latest book, Slow Productivity. He advocates for a 'slow work' philosophy, encouraging higher quality over quantity in tasks to combat burnout. The conversation delves into the benefits of no-meeting days and critiques the four-day workweek, emphasizing the importance of better workload management. Newport also discusses the complexities of productivity, urging a mindful approach to technology and communication, including email etiquette, to foster healthier work environments.
41:29

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Slow productivity emphasizes quality over quantity for sustainable work habits.
  • Balancing productivity and communication requires setting boundaries and prioritizing email responses effectively.

Deep dives

Reimagining Productivity: Slow Productivity in the Modern Workplace

In a world where the traditional notion of productivity is being redefined, Cal Newport introduces the concept of 'slow productivity' in his new book. Newport suggests that the current approach to work and productivity is flawed, leading to burnout and confusion among individuals trying to be more efficient. By advocating for doing fewer things at once, working at a more natural pace, and obsessing over the quality of work, Newport proposes a fresh perspective on accomplishing tasks without succumbing to the pressures of busy work culture.

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