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Movement vs. Progress
Are we all going in circles?
Do you ever find yourself being dragged in many directions, but failing to make meaningful progress in one?
You’re not alone.
Today I found it reassuring that Cal Newport, a man whose name is the byword for productivity and deep work, struggled to get anything done in the pandemic.
When promoting his new book, he told the FT he didn’t write a single paper in 2020 when he and his wife were caring for 3 small children during lockdown.
For someone whose professional progress as an academic is linked to the number of papers he publishes — this is a big deal.
Yet, silly as it may sound, it reassures me that someone as accomplished as he is also occasionally struggles when it comes to getting things done.
For too long, society has held in highest regard those who appear perfect and never admit to any deviation from their routines.
It’s probably why so many people in business attribute their success to focus and productivity.
After all their speakers fee would be a lot lower if they said, “I got lucky and thanks Dad”.
In an environment where intensity and availability are celebrated, it’s easy to feel that you’re not doing as much as you should…
