From Cranking to Creating: Embrace Value in Work

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The transition from a cranking mindset, where workers are viewed solely as cogs in a machine, to a creating mindset emphasizes the importance of autonomy and skill in the workplace. In a cranking environment, employees are seen as essential for maintaining productivity, and any break or diversion can disrupt operations. However, when work is approached as a creative process, the focus shifts to adding value through the application of skills and decision-making. This perspective encourages recognizing the worth of the employee's contributions, as they transform raw materials into something more valuable, highlighting the significance of individual creativity and innovation in the work experience.

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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