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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

NPR: Clive on "Interruption Science"

NPR : ‘Interruption Science’: Costly Distractions at Work

Good recap of Clive’s article in which he expands on a couple important points.

Technology forces us to juggle competing demands on our attention over the course of our workdays. Alex Chadwick speaks with New York Times Magazine contributor Clive Thompson about “interruption science,” the study of the effect of disruptions on job performance.

I really like that Clive stresses the distinction between actual productivity (which so often refers obliquely to the number of widgets you can generate) vs. happiness, or even just the absence of non-stop stress.

Personally? I don’t do this stuff so that I can make more;I do it so I can freak out less.

[ via Jon Udell ]


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See Also's picture

"Getting Things Done" Lunch &...

“Getting Things Done” Lunch & Learn session

Last week I did a Lunch & Learn session on Getting Things Done, in which I gave a quick course on David Allen’s system for, erm, getting things done. I was happy with the turnout. I think a lot…

Zak's picture

Exactly. The reason to be...

Exactly. The reason to be more efficient isn’t to cram in more work, but to STOP WORKING sooner and go do something more fun, which, hopefully, is not just browsing the web.

Caineisable's picture

I really enjoyed Allen's book...

I really enjoyed Allen’s book as well. You make a great point that often people do not consider the reasons for being productive. There is more and more talk about the need to create better working conditions but I loved the observation made by one study that compared the top 10 companies in every field to mediocre companies in that same field. They discovered that the difference between a top performing company and a medicocre company is a cult like dedication to your company. Some corporations are masters at getting people motivated to build the company and they are not only more productive but far more creative. So often the importatn thing is to work smarter NOT harder (or more productively).

About Merlin Mann

Merlin Mann's picture

Bio

Merlin Mann is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster. He’s best known for being the guy who started the website you’re reading right now. He lives in San Francisco, does lots of public speaking, and helps make cool things like You Look Nice Today. Also? He looks like this, answers questions, and has something like a life.

Merlin’s favorite thing he’s written recently is a short essay called, “Better.”

 
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Inbox Zero

The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

Making Time

3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line.