Creative Leverage: No smartphone, years to finish one movie, then retreats to recharge
You can't just focus on the 'doing less' part. You need the 'obsess over quality' part.
That's where you're able to still fulfill that human drive to create and build the leverage to control your life and make a living. That's why I think it's crucial to have both - doing less overall, but obsessing over the quality of what you choose to work on.
By combining these two approaches, you can satisfy the urge to build and create while still being intentional about the projects and tasks you take on.
The quality obsession gives you the space to do truly excellent work that generates abundant leverage and impact.
The Glue
Singular focus is key. "The Glue" is your laser-like concentration on quality, competence, and specific knowledge. You develop these skills by avoiding the trap of busyness.
Take Christopher Nolan, for example: he has no smartphone, takes years to finish one movie, then retreats to recharge.
Relinquish constant activity and create space to obsess over quality.
When you obsess over quality, two things happen:
You become great, gain autonomy, and slow down to work on fewer things with higher quality.
You develop your "glue" - the quality and competence that blend into all your work. It becomes your signature, what you're known for.
Bottom line
Work on fewer things, obsess over their quality, and develop your "glue." It's your unique source of knowledge and expertise.
Three key takeaways:
Quality obsession + doing less = the sweet spot for creativity and control.
Your "glue" is your superpower - nurture it by avoiding the busy trap.
Embrace the paradox: slowing down can accelerate your impact and success.
This post is written by Alf.
Citations: Cal Newport on Tim Ferris, Perplexity