Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

If you're a fan of productivity that leans more academic and reflective, check this out.
While I enjoyed it, I found it to be a departure from the more approachable tone of some of his earlier works, like Digital Minimalism. This one felt closer in spirit to A World Without Email—rich in research, dense with big ideas, and focused on the systems behind meaningful work.

The book dives into the habits of prolific thinkers and creators, exploring how they managed to produce impactful work in substantial quantities. Newport frames their achievements not through the lens of doing more but by doing better—prioritizing depth and intentionality over busyness. This central message felt like a counterweight to the productivity myths we often fall for: more output, more hustle, more hours. Instead, Newport champions a slower, more thoughtful approach—one that values quality over quantity and recognizes that meaningful work takes time.

There were moments where the book felt a bit dry, leaning heavily into the academic side of things, which may not resonate with everyone. But I appreciated the deeper philosophical undertones about focus and attention, especially in a world that constantly pulls us in every direction. Newport’s reminder that “better doesn’t mean more” hit particularly close to home for me. Like many, I’ve felt the urge to “crank out more,” driven by outdated ideas that doing more equates to worthiness. This book challenges that mindset, reminding us that meaningful progress often comes from slowing down.

If this resonates with you, I’d recommend it wholeheartedly. It’s a book that will leave you reflecting on how you spend your time and energy. As a follow-up, I might revisit Deep Work through this lens of “slow productivity”—it feels like it would pair well for those looking to apply these ideas more practically. He also has a podcast Deep Questions with Cal Newport that talks about these topics