This is exactly what I've been doing since I was a kid, and I was treated like a slow minded idiot for doing it despite me having the most consistient and high quality results versus my peers. Thank you for proving that my childhood self had it right the whole time.

1. Do fewer things at once. 2. Work at natural pace. 3. Obsess over quality.

The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves. - Alan Watts

The fact that a computer person advocates for doing fewer quality things at a natural pace is fascinating. Thank you sir for rescuing our humanity.

I wish management understood this. I’m considered a “slow” developer…but when my work gets done it almost never needs revisited. My bug count is in the single digits vs in the hundreds that my “faster” coworkers have, and unlike my “faster” coworkers none of my projects ever had to be rewritten due to being built on delicate code (rewriting software is an enormous cost by the way). The technical debt of my projects is so minimal I have applications I’ve written over a decade ago that still run just fine and never had to be part of the yearly maintenance parade. As this video states, often times slower is better.

People often confuse activity for productivity. Just because you are busy does not mean you are productive.

I love how the most progressive scientific breakthroughs are just regressing back to doing things the way our ancestors did them…

I wasn’t seeking promotion at work, content to be a rank and file. Now retired, I don’t feel guilty doing nothing all day.

A tip from me: *”Learn strategic negligence”* If I have 60 hours work a week, I will prioritise, and neglect the stuff at the bottom. So ok I couldn’t do everything- but all the important stuff is done well. Learn and know what you can get away with doing a ‘quick and dirty’ version, but keep your best quality for the high value / high profile tasks, that everyone will see.

this viewpoint is good and healthy. but if corporate’s mindset doesn’t align with it then it is still wishful thinking.

I love the ideas behind “Deep Work / Slow Productivity,” but I have some concerns about its practicality and accessibility for most people. Here are a few thoughts: 1. Only for the privileged: slow productivity seems like a luxury that only the wealthy or upper-middle class can enjoy. People with stable jobs or their own businesses might have the flexibility to adopt this lifestyle, but for the average worker, it’s often out of reach. 2. Not for middle-class workers: Middle-class employees, like those in enterprises, nurses, or supermarket cashiers, can’t really apply Slow Productivity. Their jobs demand constant, high-paced work with little room to slow down. 3. Academic privilege: It’s easier to come up with these concepts when you’re a MIT professor and have income from books and speaking gigs. Most people don’t have that kind of financial security or freedom in their jobs. 4. Systemic pressure: The pressure to be highly productive usually comes from business owners and upper management, not individual workers. Suggesting that people should feel responsible for being too busy or not achieving slow productivity can make them feel guilty and even more stressed, overlooking the bigger systemic issues.

The concept of slow productivity aligns perfectly with what many of us feel - that constant busyness doesn't always lead to real accomplishments. Quality over quantity, always.

I spent many years as a college professor. Every year the university hired more administrators who pushed busywork on the faculty. Some faculty members, especially those who went into administration themselves, also bought into this idea. Serving on pointless committees and filling out forms that nobody read became the main purpose of my job. As a result tuition skyrocketed and I was actually scolded for spending time meeting with students.

This advice is fantastic if you are self employed or applying it to other aspects of life like a hobby. Applying this in a modern day workplace is a sure fire way to get yourself on an “improvement plan” and very swiftly removed from their roster. Maybe it’ll motivate you maybe it’ll make you homeless. But this method cannot work in a practical setting until pseudo-productivity culture is turned on its head. Hopefully this guy can help accomplish that.

I have left and lost so many jobs, and what I tried to make a career once, because I naturally followed the 3 principals outlined in this video. The one that NO employer will allow is working at a "natural pace" ! I have burned out and broken my body to work at the pace they deemed acceptable because some other idiot raised the bar by doing it faster. Or the guy that had been doing it longer was faster. If you're not as fast as them after learning the job in a couple weeks, you're done, or scolded until you rage quit because you can't stand being nagged by supervisors or customers. Nobody cares about quality. They just want it done NOW! Employers, from my experience, will always put their bottom line above your mental health!

As a retiree that help me a lot. It is difficult to pass from a ‘measured’ workload to a unmeasured workload. I wanted to be creative but I have a lot of old tools (think fabric, yarns, ink) accumulated over the year. Many of them is just ill adapted and uninspiring for me. I recently realize that all that is just keeping me down. I will go through all and donate. Just keeping what inspire me.

I was an accountant, worked solo to keep mistakes at a minimum, i wouldn't open more than one book if I didn't have to. What i found is that if i got stuck , being able to take a break from it it would help me find the numbers to balance it. Its not always my fault, usually the data was in correct so i had to clarify. I would usually finish my work before lunch and dedicate the rest to help my coworkers to finish.

I am crippled by long covid. The silver lining is that my life is slower, calmer, and in many ways, much more peaceful. I use these techniques to great success. It’s nice to have the time, and patience for quality in my tasks.

I am a network engineer and has been in the IT industry for a decade. One of the main time consumers is meetings. Especially ones which are just the management's idea of making something look very important. Something which can be resolved over a chat easily is blown out of proportion just because the manager wants to highlight himself infront of leadership. Second one is not delegating tasks as per a employee's capability. Delegating works magic if done properly

Great stuff. It's reassuring that we're _finally_ starting to move beyond 'Taylorism' management methods. Humans are not machines and we yield better outcomes when we aren't treated as such.

I FREAKING LOVE THIS! As a full-time short-form Content Creator, oftentimes you hear that you need to post x5 times a day which can work for certain niches. But what's worked the best for me, personally, is to take my time to make a video I'm really proud of and perhaps post once a week if not once every two weeks. I've noticed that those videos would do way better because their quality was better so thank you for emphasizing this!

When i feel like rushing through my life, i try to remind myself that "slow and steady wins the race" 😊

This is great advice but only works if corporations/employers also take on this three principles. Otherwise you'll be seen as not being productive and not as profitable which, essentially, is only what companies care about.

While I can appreciate the seemingly benevolent efforts but forth by individuals such as Cal Newport in his past 2 books and his promo tour for them on podcasts including Tim Ferriss-who himself has walked back his previous selling of productivity/efficiency with the changing of cultural tides-I think he and others gravely overlook a key issue in their attempt to capitalize off this pivot. That is that they're prescribing the same issue that begets the problem-placing the burden of self-regulation on the individual, while the individual's workplaces, employers, markets, macro-culture of work remain unchanged. It is akin to telling consumers to solve pollution by not buying plastic straws. It is easy to offer, and focuses on their locus of control. But it fails to address success rate under context. I don't assume this is intentional on Cal Newport's part, perhaps he's just insulated and/or aloof. It is, of course, easier for someone at his point of success, income, and career chapter to believe in and sell such ideas. And I recognize he cannot place regulatory legislation into law that would much more successfully alleviate these issues. However, this ultimately does come off as selling people the same neoliberal trick that helps dig this hole in the first place-the idea that the solution is self-regulation.

This concept is deeper than the “work life balance” mantra.

The sole premise that by doing fewer things slower we can achieve more can be exhausting. We live in a world where all we want to do is achieve, we are goal oriented. There is incredible value in ripping yourself away from that. This can unfortunatley be a luxury to some where they do not have the luxury of looking past tomorrow. Achieving is the root of many psychological problems.

*Your explanations are clear and straight forward It's always a honor to have you here as a mentor, I appreciate you for the time being spent to educate us financially. Regardless of how bad it gets the economy, I still makeover $28K every single week. I truly value Laura, and her helpful guides*

Good advice for many jobs, wouldn’t work as a nurse. We are constantly and consistently juggling many different tasks at once, and we do it for 12 to 16 hours straight, minus one 30 minute lunch break that we can sometimes take and sometimes not.

I have been implementing seasons into my workflow, and it seems to be working very well. Work hard during the spring when the flowers are blooming and in the fall when it’s time to get ready for hibernation. Work slow and enjoy the summer and the winter holiday season, reap the benefits of the hard work in the seasons prior, and spend time with family.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="34">0:34</a> where was that guy throwing that dart??

People who work for someone else and people who work for themselves ... are two completely different things. I work for myself. I work 7 days a week and have done so for 20 years ... I love it. I'm a 40 year old millionaire. I can't wait to get up and start kicking ass. This is how most self employeed people feel. If you work for someone else, it sucks. Most of your time at work is a total waste of your time. You have every incentive to work the least amount possible and usually little incentive to actually work hard. The point is... dont make someone else rich. Work for yourself and you'll enjoy work, make more money and feel much better about life in general

I work in a hands on space. My partner works in a tech virtual space. I know the importance of teaching to let things dry, work in steps, brain storm. They are the same in other spaces. My partner needs to gather information, figure it out, talk to clients, and at times, take a break and just let a problem mature. In elementary school we did an exercise with an oppressive ruler and I " starvation protested" trying to convince my peers to join into something I didn't fully understand at the time. If a job needs to be done it should be done well and it should support the doer.

This is insane. I opened the youtube app to look for “what to do against a burnout”. But thought nope, let me just scroll through my timeline, looking for something to distract me from it. First swip up: This video

I can't help but feel business leaders would take your point about natural rate and the ebbs and flows of work as being, "So you can be hitting the red line some of the time, and then smashing the rev limiter so hard you're getting valve float the rest." Genuinely feels like everyone in industry is exhausted. Getting more blood from stone is the phrase that comes to mind.

Absent from this discussion (and the book, for those interested) is any discussion of external pressures, commitments with overoptimistic schedules, deadlines, etc... All of which fly in the face of the three principles: for once, you're not always in a position to do "fewer things" than what has been committed by external forces ; second, the seasonality is somehow arbitrary ("this needs to be ready for the demo at X") ; and finally, given a tension between scope, quality and schedule, and two of those things being unegocciatable - quality will take the toll. I wish cal would address those, but it seems to be one of this blind spot - understandable for someone with relatively large control over his deadlines (author + tenured professor.)

Seasons hella matter. We used to only work a sum of 6 months of the year. Now we’ve got work 12 months of the year. Even kids have 9 months or more.

Sadly, it has been my experience that just having the word "slow" in the title will cause most shareholders to reject the ideas outright without investigation. The term "delayed gratification", a central principle in this post, is unknown to them. They will not pause nor hesitate to leapfrog over ANY idea which might cause even a temporary loss of profits, which is a certainty here. Only the most forward thinking of companies would adopt such strategies, of which there are very few.

I had direct reports once, and I never interpreted "looking busy all the time" as a sign of being productivity, actually, it was a sign of problems. I am Ok with my team watching Netflix or planning trip as long as all daily jobs are complete, and they support our customers wholeheartedly. It is the results that matters, not being busy.

I do a lot of multi tasking. Sometimes it can be stressful but most of the time it isn’t,depending on the tasks. It keeps my productivity up, I achieve satisfaction, I get to enjoy tasks with different pace of completion & quality. Don’t do it to outperform someone else or competition. Just enjoy & be content with its completion. Trust me, the end work will be good.

Cal is already so handsome, eloquent and explains everything very well, but in this video so much more. Thank you so much!

On a Operational System class at college, more than 20 years ago, while teacher explain multi process with just one processor I asked: "But this context change between two or more process will add time at the end and take longer than process being made one after the end of the previous". Professor replys: "You are right, but the user wants longer time to accomplish since he has the feeling of things being made same time "

I love routines because I find them super relaxing. Also I never multitask , I like when things take the time they need and are the focus point of the day .

Very clear and noticeably argued, although my understanding of what you're talking about is Talent. One cannot teach others how to be talented. Talented people do exactly what you are talking about, and do that with ease. This takes me, at least, to think about inspiration; therefore the question that arises, to me at least, is: "Is what you do for a living inspiring you?" And as for "You" I mean each and everyone of us. If that's not the case, something easier to learn and apply in one's daily life (which can help finding inspiration) is Meditation. Meditation, when honestly and deeply performed, will always pull talent out of people, infact most of the times you could find yourself having more that just 1 talent. Whatever is you do for a living, wrost scenario would be you leave your job for another that suits your talent(s) better. Love and prosperity.

now show me a company that follows this. whenever i do this as an employee i get punished. what boss wants to hear "slow productivity"?

Best book I've ever read! Really helped me deal with the shame and guilt feelings of not working 24/7

This is so important. I am trying to reduce my stress by focusing on single tasks and keep strict closing times and rank my tasks by necessity.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="120">2:00</a> Do fewer things <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="210">3:30</a> Work at a natual pace <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="260">4:20</a> Obsess over quality

I believe if people discipline themselves to get outside to move/relax/contemplate once a day (at least) for an *absolute minimum* of 30 minutes (real minimum being 1 hour), that will legit help to prevent burnout. Allowing ourselves to rest seems to be the real discipline these days in our fast-paced, modern times.

I really love Big Think. They make sciences cool again.

Finally Cal Newport on Big think !!!

This is what many corporate environments are lacking, it seems managers cannot comprehend these concepts

Without answering the question about when to do what, all this is subjective. Sometimes doing fewer higher quality things is better, but sometimes doing more things quickly is better. Sometimes attending those meetings is vital (or you are just assuming your knowledge is enough)

3 things I learned to Financial freedom are focus, bravery, and consistency. Stay Uncommon!

Så jäkla glad att jag inte behöver använda datorer och krångliga system, som kraschar. Att vi har 5 veckors betald semester är också ett stort plus.

Lots of people as they age start looking for fulfilment in their days and work. I see the younger generation already seeking that. To me that indicates changes in society in a positive way. I hope this will lead to a reduced focus on capital accumulation and material acquisitions to a culture of quality of life, fulfilment and real common wealth and wellbeing. It is a long path for sure.

Every C suite in the world should watch this and espouse it. We work against our own biological rhythms by being output-centered and constant push to innovate and iterate. The macro of that is pushing us to our own untimely demise as a species. Nothing in nature is rushed or in a hurry, only human beings.

Love it. I’ve never heard it put that way but this is exactly the philosophy that I practice with my team.

As long as I love the message… the culture shift in a company that’s used to busyness is really difficult. There’s so much work. It’s not even about the direct bosses. There’s just too much to do (most times, client-derived) and we’re not manned enough to deal with the load.

This is how I handled working and university. I did school part time. Sure it took longer to get my degree, but I was working part time getting experience in my field. I was able to spend time with friends , eat healthy, workout, travel and enjoy time with family. Balance out the workload and even the mundane tasks of life becomes enjoyable. Manage the workload. Rest is important too. When I graduated I actually got a better pay and position than my classmates because I had the degree and work experience.

Funny how to me it just doesn't work to do less things, I have to learn multiple things daily (e.g, I dedicate time to my post-grad studies, language studies, drawing practice and 3D modeling. I also enjoy playing games whenever I can and watching some cozy shows). I do a bit of a lot of things everyday, which has been the solution to me for burnout instead of doing few things. I believe the cause for that is that it gives me less pressure to be perfect at something, it makes me have to think about different things through the day instead of worrying way too much about only one thing. I tried to listen to that advice of doing less and honestly, it made me get a burnout really fast. I do take breaks, but never for too long, otherwise I'll get lost on track. It's interesting how it's never a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to productivity.

the concept is lovely and idealistic Our society has not prepared us for this thought process or how to act upon it Certain people and what they aspire, will naturally escape to just 'being' and doing what they consider their gift I appreciate them....The KZfaq is very intersting and gives pause.....

Its what most employers in this new age we're into, must realize. About time someone started to talk about this!

Big ups to this. Makes my life much nicer and way better productivity to focus on key quality. Basic efficiency. It’s a purpose centered systems approach rather than an exhausting busy work focus.

This video actually expands your lungs.

Sounds great. Now try to explain it to employers

Hallelujah 🙌🏻!!!!! The daily jesus devotional has been a huge part of my transformation, God is good 🙌🏻🙌🏻. I was owing a loan of $49,000 to the bank for my son's brain surgery, Now I'm no longer in debt after I invested $11,000 and got my payout of $290,500 every month…God bless Mrs Susan Jane Christy ❤️

I have always tried to fly under the radar and do as little as possible at work. It’s been working for me👌🏻

This is a fantastic outlook, and great advice. Happy to hear this said out loud. Will be buying this book!

This is a refreshing take on productivity in the modern workplace as a knowledge worker.

I definitely take item 3, quality as a #1 priority, however having weaponized my AuDHD I've also been able to parallelize my productivity while still feeling good about the work

One of the biggest struggles I've had as an adult is that I'm interested in so many things. I find it hard to focus on just one activity only because there's so much to learn. In the end I end up achieving little in any of my interests because I jump from one to the next and just go aound in a big circle, cycling through my hobbies.

I agree. The problem is trying to explain this to management. Some bosses get it, but then there are those terrorists who think leadership is interrupting and hovering over a team that can get things done just fine without a supervisor.

I love Cal's books. I really wish people paid more attention to his ideas as they address several of our current woes.

Indeed, multitasking is a myth. We really actually focus on one thing at a time.

This was so perfectly explained. I have to buy your books now

I'd like to see this guy apply this knowledge to people with neurodivergent/ADHD qualities.

Cal Newport author to a couple of the most effective books I’ve ever read

I want to watch Cal's full video on this platform. Big Think please share the whole video. Thanks

I can relate to this.. But as I’ve grown up, I learned to not take life seriously.. Just need to take one step at a time.. Good video!

I've been following these principles for years. Can recommend wholly, 10/10 great work!

Cashed in my health for wealth. My biggest mistake was managing inputs rather than outputs. For most others it is confusing activity with progress.

Bosses and managers should procure this kind of work but usually they are the first ones that promote multitasking, appearing busy and doing useless things

a great piece of content that literally transform your life 360 degrees better

This video sums up well the current Zeitgeist: our collective, intuitive sense of being burnt-out and overstimulated versus the modern institutional tall tale that we always need more of everything and that, if we're not doing a dozen things at once, we're not doing anything at all.

Sounds so nice that we know it won't be happening in mass scale anytime soon.

*Larry Burkett's book on "Giving and Tithing" drew me closer to God and helped my spirituality. 2020 was a year I literally lived it. I cashed in my life savings and gave it all away. My total giving amounted to 40,000 dollars. Everyone thought I was delusional. Today, 1 receive 85,000 dollars every two months. I have a property in Calabasas, CA, and travel a lot. God has promoted me more than once and opened doors for me to live beyond my dreams. God kept to his promises to and for me*

This is exactly what gen z has been pointing out since they entered the workplace and they’ve been called “lazy”

The final conversation was amazing!

I turned this video off because i realised I was doing more. Thanks Cal!

Also writer deep work ❤

My Cal 😊😊😊😊😊 I’m a long time listener of his podcast .. have read 3 of his books…. ❤

I APPRECIATE HOW TRANSPARENT YOU ARE ABOUT YOUR WINS AND LOSSES. IT'S REFRESHING TO SEE A TRADER WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO SHOW THEIR MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM THEM.🌍

I need to hear this 1000 more times

Takes a lot of juice to pull this off in a real world business environment. You need a strong track record of delivering results that they can't get from anyone else because the essence of doing this in practice is saying "no" to almost everything and working your own agenda instead of what everyone else wants you to do. Most people don't have that kind of autonomy, and even if they did, would be in over their head. You have to be at the top of your game to tell everyone to back off and then be able to back it up.

Great (probably) for entrepreneurs, or if you write books. Completely impossible in a modern corporate environment.

I wish the CEO and product managers at the company I'm leaving would watch this and read your book.

Deep Work , best book i ever read

This is gold right here.

Wow, Absolutely mind-blowing! This video demonstrates a strategy that can turn a small investment into a massive profit.

One thing at a time. Take your time. Do it well