Accepting the finite nature of time prompts intentional time management, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize tasks with the available time. This acceptance deters procrastination, distractions, and unfilled feelings, steering individuals towards making thoughtful decisions about time allocation. Instead of focusing on completing the daily to-do list impulsively, considering the available time and strategically choosing essential tasks is advocated. Multitasking is discouraged in favor of monotasking, which requires sacrificing superficial sources of distraction. Embracing limited time fosters an understanding that not all tasks can be accomplished, necessitating a deliberate approach to task selection. Distancing oneself from constant distractions, whether internally or externally induced, is crucial for effective time utilization. Acknowledging the emotional challenges of important tasks and refraining from pseudo-productive activities are vital in optimizing time management.
By 2030 we'll only work 15 hours a week, predicted the legendary economist John Maynard Keynes back in 1930. He thought advances in technology and wealth would let us earn enough money to live in a day or two - leaving the rest of the week for leisure and community service.
How wrong he was. We seem to be working more than ever - with technology adding extra tasks to our workdays (like answering emails and monitoring Slack). Dr Laurie longs for more leisure time, but how can she tame her fear of being "unproductive"?
Computer scientist Cal Newport explains how we all got into this mess - and why we still treat modern employees as if they were farm laborers or assembly line workers. Reformed "productivity junkie" Oliver Burkeman also offers tips on how to concentrate our minds on fulfilling and important work - and not little tasks that chew up so much of our days.
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