From Cranking to Creating: Embrace Value in Your Work

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Transitioning from a cranking mindset to a creating mindset fundamentally changes how one perceives work. Cranking often involves repetitive tasks without a deeper connection to the output, leading to a perception that taking breaks is unproductive. Conversely, creating entails the application of skill and decision-making to generate something valuable over time. This process involves transforming raw materials into more valuable outputs, whether individually or collaboratively. Historical examples highlight the distinction: traditional assembly lines exemplified cranking, while artisan workshops promoted creation through craftsmanship and collaboration. This shift emphasizes the importance of valuing the creative process, suggesting that productivity can also involve moments of reflection and strategic pauses, rather than just constant motion.

One of the more viral suggestions from Cal’s recent book, SLOW PRODUCTIVITY, was to occasionally skip out of work to see a movie. In this episode, Cal dives deep into criticisms of this advice and decodes what this tells us about where knowledge work is faltering and how we can make things better. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to some productivity advice given from a well-known CEO.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: [7:47]

- Can I work deeply in my chaotic job? [27:17]

- Can I use my inbox as a task list? [31:36]

- How do you look at travel within your plans for a deep life? [35:12]

- How can I get my partner to stop talking about work? [41:14]

- How do I practice slow productivity with health issues? [44:54]

- CALL: How can I decide on what career path to pursue? [49:14]

CASE STUDY: Switching careers after a 20 year law stint [56:11]

CAL REACTS: The CEO Who Swears by Time Blocking [1:05:04]

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