Deep Questions with Cal Newport cover image

IN-DEPTH:The Productivity Trap (w/ Oliver Burkeman)

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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Work is a Burden: Find Relief, Not Reward

The perception of David Allen's 'Getting Things Done' (GTD) is misguided, as its title suggests a focus on productivity and success, when in reality, it reflects a critique of the oppressive nature of modern work. The book embodies a desire to reduce work-related anxiety and the soul-crushing experience it can create. It proposes automating actions to disengage from the stress of knowledge work, which emerges from a deeper frustration with contemporary work environments. Rather than encouraging individuals to strive for maximum output, GTD serves as a commentary on the need to numb oneself to the grim realities of work, indicating a significant systemic failure in how work is structured.

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