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Introduction Slow Productivity
Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout (2024), Buy on Amazon, challenges how we think about knowledge work. He highlights the wasteful aspects of modern work environments, like distractions and busyness. This book forms Newport’s varied works into a cohesive whole.
The Good and the Bad of Slow Productivity
If you need advice for cognitive work, this book is a great read. However, if you work in areas outside of knowledge work or in an atmosphere that requires constant task-switching, this book won’t apply.
The Good of Slow Productivity
Slow Productivity offers a new definition of knowledge work productivity, focuses on impactful and sustainable work practices, and addresses common criticisms of the approach.
Redefines Productivity
In the context of knowledge work, Newport states, “…knowledge workers have no agreed-upon definition of productivity (pg. 15).”
He challenges the default meaning of productivity, which he calls pseudo-productivity—”The use of visible activity as the primary means of approximating actual productive effort (pg. 22).”
He counters this productivity definition with slow productivity—”A philosophy for organizing knowledge work efforts in a sustainable and meaningful manner, based on the following three principles: 1. Do fewer things 2. Work at a natural pace 3. Obsess over quality (pg. 22).”
This book invites you to adopt a new productivity mindset. One focused on results versus busyness.
Focus on Impact and Sustainability
The book advises you to prioritize meaningful and sustainable effort over busy work. Newport promotes work-life balance through natural pacing and shifting focus from quantity to quality.
It’s easy to connect with how the book calls out the challenges of today’s “always-on” work culture. His counter is to encourage deliberate work, focusing on tasks that matter most.
Acknowledges Past Criticisms
Newport clarifies previous omissions in his work. He mentions several times that this approach applies to knowledge workers and those with autonomy. This honesty counters criticisms that he presents his approach as comprehensive when it applies to a narrow group.
Bad of Slow Productivity
The book suffers from a lack of new ideas. His theoretical pondering meanders like an old river. Perhaps Cal had a new yacht he needed to pay off?
Nothing New Here
Having read Newport’s previous works, I didn’t find much, if anything, new. It seems like he repackaged his blog and old books under the new popular productivity trend of mindfulness and sustainability.
While mentioning these concepts, he adds little to the conversation around these two topics. The book is more of the same.
Academic and Theoretical Discussion
There’s a lack of instructions on how to implement his recommendations. He spends considerable time on theory but not enough explaining what you should do. He uses general anecdotes when you need concrete examples or case studies. Lastly, he fails to address potential challenges or obstacles in adoption.
Rushed and Poorly Written
Compared to his other books, I found this one disorganized and lacking a strong main point. Additionally, ideas were challenging to follow, often explained in jargon.
Further, his concepts lack clear definitions. For example, he has written multiple books on knowledge work but fails to define the term. Finally, sections jump between topics without logical transitions, adding to the confusion.
Summary Slow Productivity
Who Should Read It?
Creators, writers, coders, engineers, artists, and anyone who works on things that require deep concentration (knowledge workers) will find value here. Furthermore, those overwhelmed by modern issues such as distraction and a lack of meaning at work will find sound advice.
Who Should Skip It?
Blue-collar, service, and administrative jobs should avoid this book. Those familiar with Newport’s work will find reading this book redundant. Moreover, people who want tactical productivity tips and tricks shouldn’t read it either.
Wrap Up
Newport has found a dedicated audience for his work. Most issues surrounding his ideas stem from his theories being applicable to a select audience. If you’re in that group, you’ll love him. Otherwise, you’ll think he’s a waste of time.
Conclusion
There’s always more to read on this topic. Explore our full guide on personal productivity. Or you can view more productivity book reviews.
I thrive on recommendations and feedback. Hit me up in the comments section or join me on Reddit at (opens new tab) r/Remove_Work_Advice. I would love to hear from you if you have read Slow Productivity or if you have any thoughts to share.
For background on the who, what, and why of remoteworkadvice.com, check out our Home Page. Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your productivity journey!
Additional Information
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About Cal Newport
Cal Newport is a computer science professor at Georgetown University. He is known for his books on productivity and work philosophy.
From his website: “Cal is the author of eight books, including, most recently, Slow Productivity, A World Without Email, Digital Minimalism, and Deep Work. His titles have cumulatively sold well over 2,000,000 copies, have been published in more than 40 languages, and include multiple New York Times bestsellers.”
Cal Newport’s Books
Heads up. If you click on “Buy on Amazon” next to any book title, it will open a new page for that book on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—think of it as a productivity tip jar. Your support is highly optional but always appreciated.
- Newport, C. (2024). Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. United States: Penguin Publishing Group. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. United States: Grand Central Publishing. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2023). The Time-Block Planner: A Daily Method of Deep Work in a Distracted World. United States: Portfolio/Penguin. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2021). A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload. United States: Penguin Publishing Group. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2019). Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. United Kingdom: Penguin Publishing Group. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2012). So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love. United States: Grand Central Publishing. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2010). How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get Into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out). United States: Crown. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2007). How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less. United States: Crown. Buy on Amazon
- Newport, C. (2005). How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country’s Top Students. United States: Crown. Buy on Amazon
Cal Newport Online
Website: calnewport.com
Blog: Decoding Depth
Wikipedia: Cal Newport
YouTube: Cal Newport
Podcast: The Deep Life by Cal Newport
Other Reviews of Slow Productivity
- Lang, S. (2024). Why I’m disappointed by Slow Productivity [Book Review]. Epigrammetry. Retrieved from https://epigrammetry.hypotheses.org/3960
- Smith, R. (2024). Slow Productivity: A (Scathing) Review. Maestro Group. Retrieved from https://maestrogroup.co/slow-productivity-review/
- Janzer, A. (2024). The joys of slow productivity: A review of Cal Newport’s new book. Medium. Retrieved from https://annejanzer.medium.com/the-joys-of-slow-productivity-155bfab1e1de
- Fish, E. (2024). Book Review: Slow Productivity. All Science Great & Small. Retrieved from https://allscience.substack.com/p/book-review-slow-productivity
- Farkas, M. (2024) Slow productivity is a team sport: A critique of Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity. Information Wants To Be Free. Retrieved from https://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/2024/06/12/slow-productivity-is-a-team-sport-a-critique-of-cal-newports-slow-productivity/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
“Slow Productivity” means working at a natural pace. Additionally, it focuses on quality over quantity. Newport says it’s important to know your life’s natural rhythms. Then, plan your work around them.
For example, if you’re busy around the holidays, plan on less output during those periods.
Further, he argues against working for the sake of busyness.
By avoiding unnecessary work and understanding your rhythms, you end up being more productive in the long run.
Newport recommends the following:
Limit concurrent projects (closed lists).
Schedule both rest and periods of deep work.
Align work with your goals and abilities.
Automate, cut, or delegate less meaningful work.
Following these principles, you work at a sustainable pace and avoid burnout.
Dedicate periods of time for uninterrupted work.
Create a holding tank for potential projects and only add new ones as capacity allows.
Use automation and outsourcing for administrative clutter.
Alternate intense work periods with deliberate rest.
Understand your life cycles and set realistic productivity targets.