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A New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and IndieBound bestseller

“Brilliant and timely” — Oliver Burkeman

Do Less. Work Steadily. Prioritize Quality.

From Cal Newport, the New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work, comes a groundbreaking approach to achieving meaningful success without succumbing to overload.

Today’s idea of productivity is flawed. It equates being constantly busy with being effective, resulting in endless task lists, nonstop meetings, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Many find themselves trapped between exhausting hustle culture and abandoning ambition entirely. But are these the only options?

Long before the distractions of email notifications and packed calendars, history’s most creative and influential minds—philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers—understood how to produce lasting, valuable work without burning out. In this insightful and timely book, Newport uncovers the strategies these great thinkers used and reimagines them for the modern workplace.

Drawing from extensive research on historical figures such as Galileo, Isaac Newton, Jane Austen, and Georgia O’Keeffe, Newport introduces the principles of “slow productivity”—a sustainable approach that counters today’s chaotic work culture. Through a mix of cultural analysis and practical guidance, he challenges conventional productivity models and offers clear, step-by-step strategies for a more thoughtful and effective way to work.

From rethinking workload management to incorporating seasonal rhythms and prioritizing long-term quality over relentless output, Slow Productivity offers a roadmap for breaking free from constant overwork. This book presents a path toward a more balanced, meaningful, and enduring form of success—one that is long overdue in today’s workplace.