The reason why I hate productivity systems is because they easily become a dominant part of “the loop”.1 And once they become a dominant part of the loop, they become a problem. A problem that keeps creatives from focusing on what matters – and from doing what they want to do because their muse is […]
All posts filed under ‘(Un)Productivity’
Deer in Headlights
Have you ever been there? You’re all alone, on a dark night’s street, somewhere in the countryside. Light rain is falling. It’s a little foggy. No-one is around. (Apart from your two long-eared friends, perhaps.) In the distance, you hear something. You perk up your ears. Suddenly: Noise! Noise and stench! Noise and stench and […]
The Nothing Alternative
Raymond Chandler had an interesting approach to getting things done. In his case: Getting things written. Here’s what he said, according to Roy Baumeister and John Tierney in their book, Willpower:1 Chandler had his own system for turning out The Big Sleep and other classic detective stories. “Me, I wait for inspiration,” he said, but […]
Working on Trains
Last week I rambled about workplaces beyond rules. But when it came to naming my favorite workplace of all, I noticed how dependent it is on the work I want to do or the mood I’m in. But, as I said, if I’d have to choose one single place, it would probably be on board […]
Workplaces Beyond Rules
After the release of Productive Anywhere, a couple of readers asked me about my favorite place to get things done. Over the last few years, dozens of spots have been my home and my workplace, but which of them did I prefer? As with many tough questions, it’s probably better to start at the opposing […]