Quality over Quantity in Productivity

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Focus on doing fewer things at a natural pace while obsessing over quality rather than quantity. Embrace the psychological challenge of feeling anxious about doing less and not using busyness to mask it. Give yourself a couple of quarters to adjust, follow productivity systems, and observe the increase in productivity. Having fewer tasks allows for faster completion, leading to more accomplished in a quarter than when busier. Sit with the anxiety instead of resorting to overwork and remember that it's okay to take time to recalibrate without negative consequences.

One of the more interesting realities of people who live remarkable lives is that they are often much less busy than the rest of us. In this episode, Cal explores three ideas that help explain why this is true, then explains how we can use these ideas to reduce our own workloads.

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: The Productivity Paradox [7:31]

- How does a weekly plan work? [32:26]
- Do errands or reading count toward fixed schedule productivity? [36:55]
- How should a graduate embrace slow productivity? [40:11]
- If I embrace slow productivity, how can I be sure I’m doing enough? [41:54]
- Did Cal follow Slow Productivity in his 20’s? [47:45]
- CALL: Uprooting a good planning system? [53:23]

CASE STUDY: Playing video games with intention [58:05]

CAL REACTS: How to Have a Productive Year [1:06:34]

Links:
calnewport.com/if-youre-busy-youre-doing-something-wrong-the-surprisingly-relaxed-lives-of-elite-achievers/
newyorker.com/culture/office-space/how-to-have-a-more-productive-year
FREE Download for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.