This book will change the way you think about productivity | Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Would love to make more videos on this book! Let me know what you'd want to see! Thanks to Factor for sponsoring this video -- use code KELSEYR50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box plus 20% off your next month of orders at bit.ly/400vprD :)

[@Meraxes6]

My best artwork took over 100 hours for a single piece. This kind of work has paid off 10x more than my faster pieces. Thanks for the reminder

[@CoolKaius]

As someone who's very low energy due to health problems, I can't express how much I appreciate this video. I was looking forward to you talking about this book. I hope you make more videos about slow productivity.

[@jesswoodhere]

I’d love more videos on this topic! I think one reason people get sucked into hustle culture because that’s how some people define their self worth: how much they get done in the shortest amount of time as possible. Thanks for the quality video! ❤

[@AdamDuffArt]

It’s perfect timing - I’m discovering a notable increase in productivity since the flood in my studio - purging myself of too much clutter The free space and limited gear allowed me to just set up and shoot and edit I’ve also been using a daily planner app that allows you to properly space out work according to workload which has been hugely helpful as well

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Oh I'm curious as to what app it is! Always down to give new things a try. Re: decluttering, it can be a huge boost to productivity. Always better to work in a clean space with everything you need within easy reach

[@AdamDuffArt]

@@KelseyRodriguez Sunsama - I actually got in touch with them regarding a potential sponsorship. I've tested dozens of productivity apps and this ranks as one of my top favourites.

[@ArtByAshleyJayne]

I swear, you always post exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it! Thank you for reminding me of my worth as an artist, Kelsey! I appreciate it more than you'll ever know! 💖

[@JonDanz]

Working 50 plus hours a week my take away would be giving myself months instead of days to get work done. Thanks Kelsey

[@RhiannonKagoe]

this was a really good video, thank you! It made me feel more sane as someone who left their job to live in a Welsh cottage to pursue making comics. Realistically, it's so hard to balance a busy life with reaching your full creative potential. Success demands sacrifice. I have less money and less time with my loved ones, but I am going places with my art

[@LordVurg]

Year of the art monk let’s gooooo

[@KayshaRJackson]

I love this video! By the way I saw something awhile back about you getting insulted by someone else, I didn't know of them and don't remember, and I lost it to comment on it. Your mannerisms and vibe are the reason I am here. You aren't just like every other youtuber (no hate, love yall. you're beautiful.) with the way you look. Its refreshing to me. 💜

[@Alexden96Channel]

Yeah, I watched Lucidpixel's video on that and was taken aback at how she'd been treated by that someone. Glad to see some support for her with fans and other artists in the community!

[@erinrichardson95]

This makes total sense Kelsey! My best work comes out of being chill and focused. Jake Parker just commented on the latest 3PP podcast about this very thing also, creating a sort of Creative Bank Account, like you mentioned about a creative cup. I love listening to you. Your sensibility and informed content is refreshing always and so encouraging, thank you!!

[@bobbyrebholz2183]

This was a great listen. Thanks, Kelsey!

[@abbeybrickner6603]

Thank you for this video! Honestly, hearing this method has taken off so much weight I feel like I have been carrying around. As an artist I have been holding onto all this guilt for not posting as much as I used too. This video made me reframe everything thank you!!!

[@ishaliart]

I've been struggling with this. I feel like I naturally work like this but after 3 years of traumatic events where hustle culture was encouraged, it's been hard to find myself again. It's been a year since that came to an end but I'm still working on it. I ended up rewatching this a couple of times, not because you went all over the place like you said, it doesn't even feel like you did, but because my brain has been so scrambled that it takes that repetition to grasp it. Thank you for helping me get some clarity

[@VeraGolosovaArt]

For the first time in my freelance life of 10+ years and 8 years of parenting, I hit a burn out wall a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to therapy and supportive environment, I was able to notice it very timely and take action. There is a big work ahead to revamp my time usage, but oh well, there is no such thing as too much of cal Newport. Thank you for the video!

[@nourashraf243]

This is incredibly relevant as I have read Cal Newport's Deep Work before and it so much connects to this book's concept, the ideas of Deep Work have so many related concepts to slow seasoning and the idea of achieving slow deep high-quality work ( like innovative people as scientists, inventors and great novelists) that catapults your entire life, new ideas and principles have been shed light on in my brain, I'm grateful for youtube algorithm recommendation of this video, so much enjoyed and benefited from❤

[@JaimeLeighArt]

This resonates . . . but I'm in the middle of art festival season where I have a show every weekend in October 😭😭 The first show was underattended by a lot, so I made no money, so to say I'm stressed and anxious right now (and feeling the need to hustle) is an understatement. But! I would love to revisit this idea in November. I think it will also help the upcoming holiday season feel less stressful as well!

[@mimisart]

I think it is totally fair to realize what season you're in. I'm in a bit of a hustle at the moment, but I know it's for a short period of time and then I can continue at a much slower pace. I think it's about finding a balance between the two total opposites. Even if you are on one end of that spectrum for a little bit and then moving towards the other end...and then perhaps back again. Life and responsibilities look different for every individual, so I guess it's about making it work for you.

[@JaimeLeighArt]

@@mimisart couldn’t agree with you more! It definitely comes in waves and there is a benefit and a downside to each time period. Learning that each is temporary is smart for sure.

[@MariaRevArt]

This was such an excellent topic. I loathe hustle culture for many reasons. But I also refuse to embrace it because it is not sustainable for me. I really appreciate your discussion of this phenomenon and the overview of the book itself. It makes me want to get myself a copy to read. But, sometimes, even finding the time to do that can be challenging and videos like this make it so much more attainable. I would love to see more videos like this and videos on how you are practicing slow productivity and how we can as well. Overall, I'm in a place where I really needed to hear this message. And most importantly how to engage with slow productivity. It might be the answer I have been looking for. Thank you Kelsey. And I'm so glad that you haven't let the controversy stop you from showing up for yourself and us. You are proving the haters wrong and I love the direction you are heading in. Definitely excited to be a part of this journey.

[@thecalicoartstudio]

I love this idea, and I put this book in my TbR list! (I am going slowly, with it, too). As someone who is re-learning her craft, being art and clay sculpting as my major focus, right now, I've noticed not only a massive creative expansion, but a increase of creative ideas and new projects (in a to do list, for future me) that I want to explore. Slowing down made me more bold, focused and secure on my art career. I come from a family who has not only the hustle culture but the "work is life, life is working" culture and me, pursuing art (I mean, it's what I'm doing since I learned to hold a crayon in my hands, no surprise here) is destroying the "system". I think this book should have its own mini series, your insights are always valuable and so thought provoking! I know it's not about the book, but I loved the strokes on that work in progress painting, there is a softness in that sky that I hope you will be able to see and harness to finish the whole piece!

[@ricardofelipelo]

It has been very pleasing to follow you and see you grow! This video was really precious and I look forward to your advice as much as your art and nature shots. You are inspiring many people just by doing you. Keep it up!

[@conchesodan]

Well, this is an interesting take on time-management but also mindset🙌

[@mari43862]

Thanks for this video, Kelsey! Everything you said resonates in my heart. I think this is a very good book, and I'm glad that you shared your thoughts on this with us. ❤❤❤ I haven't read it yet, but I've come to the same conclusion that it's better to live life and create art by following your life cycles and taking the time to do things. It's not easy to give myself permission to slow down, because all my life I've been used to rushing and doing everything fast. But when I slow down, I like how meaningful my days are becoming and how much love I can put into everything I do. 😌⭐️☀️

[@VeraGolosovaArt]

Oh my, I am very much into the video and I am over joyed with what you quote from this book. I read his other works, but not this one. And I am so happy to hear about seasonality and slow seasons etc. as me and my friends are frequently discussing these ways of doing stuff ❤️❤️ I have to read it now!

[@shakyhandsworkshop]

That video has a lot of good useful information. Thank you for sharing. The one thing I'm fairly consistent with is spending the first couple hours of the day painting fantasy/sci-fi miniatures or sketching out some weird mushrooms. Coffee is a must 😅

[@lexlazaruz]

The idea of connecting a dreadful task with a nice experience is a really cool idea. Definitely gonna try that! Also cool you are a BRIDGERTON gal too

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I've read some of Julia Quinn's books (like ages ago when I was a teenager!) but I don't think I ever got to the Bridgeton books!

[@lexlazaruz]

@@KelseyRodriguez Ah, I see. Couldn't help but start on Eloise's story. Very curious how they will bring it to the screen.

[@studiolepta]

Loved this video and would absolutely be down to hear more about your thoughts on implementing slow productivity to our lives in practical ways!

[@catharsisgaze4894]

Great choice of a book and good message in general!

[@biegebythesea6775]

i think cal must be new to your generation. he was big in the '10s when personal development was still in fashion, along with scott young (also worth checking out). i'm glad he's back. he just needs to work on his youtube output a bit. never read this book, though so thanks for the introduction.

[@thebasemesh]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this and taking the time to make it - it is exactly what I needed to hear at this point in time. Also your captions gave me a chuckle :)

[@threetenticlesforward]

This is my process, I take my time to learn things, enjoy the experience and process of it. In the time I have available. Streamlining household chores freed up so much time. I take slow periods between projects I live in a sine rhythm. 😅

[@mattmuzzy90]

You rock, Kelsey!!

[@chelseaprice4116]

The note at 15:57 killed me 😂 I promise you do produce really good quality content Kelsey!

[@nomnom_art]

A great book, I already read it twice. And maybe I'm gonna read it again :D And a great video ofc! ❤

[@HannahMorenDraws]

okay but a few questions - who decides or how do we measure a "more natural pace?" Wouldn't this depend on the person? Also if you are just starting out in your business and made $3.00 last month on licensing (me) doesn't a more varied approach targeting multiple ways to make income make sense? Personally just focusing on one thing that isn't getting me anywhere is more of a bummer than doing youtube (which i'm trying) plus pitching companies (which I do every week) and making some new art (which I try to draw every day.) I don't consider myself a "hustler" however - I took two naps this Saturday... But I feel like this swing toward the other way is unrealistic for those just starting out. ALSO comparing ourselves to Jane Austen or Copernicus is comparing people in DRASTICALLY different times in history to people in today's world - this seems like apples and oranges a bit to me. I'm all for ending "let's compete for who is more tired/busy/posting more/etc" but I'm also like - this "slow productivity" thing is maybe getting misconstrued or unrealistic for people starting out or have responsibilities beyond their own mouths to feed.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

yeah I think there's no one-size-fits-all thing here, working at a natural pace means doing what feels natural for you! In the book Newport talks a lot about how to achieve this in a modern era where we have a ton of things on our plate, giving examples of people who are trying to start businesses, write a novel, etc with a nine to five and even parenting responsibilities imposing constraints on how much time they're really able to take off or slow down. As someone that does do a ton, personally I find the context switching from my "business brain" to my "painting brain" to be a really significant obstacle to doing more work, and higher quality work. Doing fewer things for me looks like honing in my efforts on the things that actually drive results for my business and things that I find really personally/creatively fulfilling, and trying to contain all the necessary admin tasks that don't really do either. It also looks like just having one primary focus for each day, like Wednesday for me was spending my entire day editing this video, Friday was a deep rest day, and next weekend will be all about plein air painting because I'm going to a workshop. I don't think it means achieving fewer things or even simplifying your income streams down, but just being mindful that you're giving yourself the time and space required to make your best creative work

[@HannahMorenDraws]

@@KelseyRodriguez i guess a lot of it comes down to "know thyself" - but for someone like me who has anxiety & has taken meds for depression it's hard to trust yourself. For me it's like - will this produce the most xyz or would this? would it be better to rest or power through? My "instinct" or "inner voice" is too self critical or reactionary to be trusted. I think if I had continued to just do what I felt like all the time I'd just stay in a neurotic knot and do very little! (but I understand this isn't what you're saying - but I have heard of people saying to "follow your feelings") So I get it, but it takes a lot of self knowledge to get there - and maybe that's the whole point. I guess I should read it...(or listen to it)

[@happihippieyasmi]

Your Painting style is so unique and beautiful ! 😊

[@talimediaart]

I would like you to talk more about the concepts like how would a seasonal week work out? In more depth of course since I'm someone who does work at a slower pace anyway.

[@deromilly]

LOL! We're on the same wavelength. My copy of this had just arrived when you posted this. I havent' had a chance to crack it open yet.

[@AkeemWayneMakesArt]

Love you’re amazing content!!!! So very helpful THANK YOU!!! 🙏🏾

[@Shadowkitty360]

I've recently heard something similar to looking at things over the timespan of years. Science only progresses through breakthrough moments that happen over many years, if not many generations. I think art is very similar. Great art happens when inspiration strikes a mind that is ready to act on it.

[@clarabarandica9829]

Hi Kelsey, yeah that would be interesting. Thank you for giving us usefull content😊

[@anul6460]

Amazing painting 😮😮😮❤❤

[@fuzzydragons]

i am not a person to believe that some spiritual being is trying to tell me something, but the amount of times in the last 4 days that I have either read or seen something telling me to slow the f down in life is really spooky lol

[@rushalisarkar3494]

I absolutely love your videos especially since I started my own live wedding painting business this year! I would love to hear what books have helped shape your mindset towards your business and how you approach art as it would be so helpful to get myself into gear as well

[@emmarzalot]

sounds like an interesting book! also, love your videos :]

[@mimisart]

I love this concept...and I think I apply some of these things already, but in other areas I'm a total mess, lol. But it all starts with awareness and then making changes...it doesn't have to happen overnight. And man...retreating for a month would be so good, but single mom of 4 doesn't really get that luxury (Yet!!).

[@TheDailyPlannerMichelleMacias]

But bills tho. Family. It’s hard to slow down when you see what’s ahead

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Totally agree. I think running yourself ragged isn’t great either though, which is why I’m a big fan of the suggestions Newport has to take a day off here or there for those of us that can’t take months off

[@TheDailyPlannerMichelleMacias]

@@KelseyRodriguez I'm a legal professional, lots of debt, inflation and taking care of both of my parents. If anything I regret very much not working harder. I've lived in the Productivity side of KZbin and interacted in a lot of the channels. I do walk away inspired, don't get me wrong, but it just seems that life hasn't been the same since Covid and even though we're all working 2 jobs, it's not enough. We take no luxuries. Just the high rent and bills-scenario. *Newport also has a wife, nannies, housekeepers and $$$. Quite easy to talk about time management from his perspective. My family are mostly blue collar workers and teachers. But, yes, Sunday is my day off, but it's turned into my "Saturday". LOL

[@allaganqueen]

@@TheDailyPlannerMichelleMacias it really does feel like this “slow productivity” thing is a luxury for the ones who can afford it.

[@corneliuskoehler7684]

I think that productivity does not equal efficience. What does it Help If you Go e.g. 5 Times a week to the Gym but Work Out Wrong or not eat healthy. I think this has implications for productivity therefore. Namely, it has a value. I think this also includes art

[@monilaninetynine3811]

Sometimes you need to just "be" instead of always "doing."

[@CoreyartusImagery]

Kelsey, I stopped watching your videos a while ago because you'd turned into a "talking head". It hasn't been until recently when you've rejected all the algorithmic crap, started sharing more vids of your art making, and have considered a slower pace (ala this video) that I've felt like you deserved more of my time. I felt for a long while you'd succumbed to the mentality that "hustle culture" was good and proper, and that turned me off. I know you've probably taken a hit on your video views (and the money you generate with them) but that's KZbin's priorities using and devaluing the work you create. I know you know that. It's a losing game in the end. And I can see you're using it as an opportunity to swing back to the art that brings you joy. You were getting to be known more as an advisor than an artist, and it's nice to see you say "enough already." KZbin has a tendency to wheedle it's way into creative lives and swallow artists whole. That's a curse of the last 10 years, making them seem indispensable to an art life. I just want to say it's nice to see you contemplate Newport's ideas. He's on to something. And the less we allow all the "manic" to program us, the less power they have over our lives. I look forward to more videos that aren't about art advice, and feature your creative expression in painting form.