Dr. BJ Condrey

I have just finished reading Cal Newport’s book Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. It was a page-turner. After reading the book, I waited a day or so and then flipped through every page, making notes in the back of the book for future reference.

His book Slow Productivity introduces a revolutionary approach to work and productivity. In our fast-paced world, where constant busyness and rapid output are often valued above all else, Newport advocates for a more deliberate and thoughtful method of working. He challenges the prevailing norms of “hyperactive hive mind”—a workflow that depends heavily on constant communication and immediate responses — suggesting instead a philosophy where deep work and concentration are prioritized. Newport’s concept of “slow productivity” isn’t about working slower but rather about working better, emphasizing quality over speed. He proposes practical strategies to reduce cognitive overload, such as scheduling uninterrupted blocks of time for deep work and minimizing multitasking. This philosophy aims to enhance creativity, sustain work satisfaction, and ultimately lead to more meaningful and high-quality output in professional environments. Newport’s insights are crucial for anyone looking to escape the trap of frenetic productivity and cultivate a more balanced, fulfilling approach to work. (ChatGPT)

I am underlining and making notes throughout. Particularly helpful are his two categories for prioritizing work projects: (1) Holding Tank and (2) Active. He writes that we should never have more than three projects in the “Active” list. I have immediately implemented this using Trello, which I am considering using instead of Asana. I have created a “Holding Tank” list for Hampton University, Hutchinson Community College, and Writing.

I also enjoy reading books by Newport because they are very different from what I usually read. Variety is refreshing! It is not theology, ethics, or philosophy although the books do possess philosophical insight. In addition, the material is easier to read and is proving a nice change of pace. Calport’s ideas are helping me to reorganize my work life to intentionally reject a tyranny-of-the-urgent mindset.

Among his books, next up is Digital MInimalism.