Slow Productivity by Cal Newport [Making Good Book Club #35]

Though this book wasn’t exactly what we expected, Charelle and I had so much fun picking it apart and finding applications for small business owners, including ourselves! Slow Productivity is all about challenging the hustle culture mindset and redefining what it means to be productive. While the book offers an intriguing framework, it’s really not a “how-to” guide—it’s more about understanding the history and philosophy of productivity, and then finding ways to apply those principles in your own life.

We discuss Newport’s core principles, such as focusing on fewer tasks, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. The conversation also explores issues like "pseudo productivity"—working for the sake of visibility rather than meaningful outcomes—and how to navigate the slow productivity movement as a business owner.

In this episode, we discussed:

• Cal Newport's three principles of slow productivity: do fewer things, work at a natural pace, and obsess over quality.

• What pseudo productivity is and how to avoid it.

• The importance of creating space and limiting your work to avoid burnout.

• How to apply the "push and pull" method for managing tasks and projects.

• Seasonality in productivity: why it’s okay to have busy and slow periods.

• And more

THIS MONTH: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

NEXT MONTH: Brag Better: Master the Art of Fearless Self-Promotion by Meredith Fineman

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• Lauren - @laurentilden

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