Welcome back to Deep Questions. Today we’re tackling the “Workload Myth” with insights from Cal Newport. You’ve probably heard that putting in more hours guarantees success—but Newport calls this the “workload fairytale.” He argues that we’ve been sold on the idea that endless busyness is proof of productivity. In reality, logging more time often leads to burnout and shallow work. Newport reminds us, “We confuse busyness with real progress.” Instead of racing to fill every hour, he suggests a practice he calls Slow Productivity: deliberately focusing on fewer tasks and giving them the deep attention they deserve. By setting clear boundaries, scheduling meaningful breaks, and saying no to low-value requests, you’ll produce higher-quality work in less time. As Newport puts it, “Success is not a function of hours logged but of attention invested.” Next time you feel pressured to stack on hours, remember the cover story is a myth. Focus deeply, work deliberately, and watch your results soar.
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