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Creativity and Productivity at 43 Folders

Something interesting is happening over at Merlin Mann’s blog 43 Folders. As many of you will know, the name 43 Folders comes from David Allen’s Getting Things Done productivity system, and Merlin’s blog has a well earned reputation as one of the thought leaders in the productivity sector. But Merlin recently took a break from blogging, and returned to announce a bold change of direction for his site:

R.I.P., Productivity Pr0n
Friends, I’m done with “productivity” as a personal fetish or hobby. There are countless sites that are all too happy to vend stroke material for your joyless addiction to puns about procrastination and systems for generating more taxonomically satisfying meta-work. But, presently, you won’t find so much of that here.

I guess Merlin can expect an angry e-mail from Lou.

But I hear Jack has subscribed and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of 43 folders. Here’s why, from the new About page:

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

You can probably imagine this is music to the ears of the Lateral Action team, as it backs up what we’ve been saying about avoiding foolish productivity and focusing on getting creative things done.

With Behance‘s tools for promoting ‘productive creativity’ and LifeDev‘s writings about creativity and workflow, it looks as though ‘creativity and productivity’ is becoming something of a movement.

What other blogs have you noticed that combine creativity and productivity?

Any must-reads you’d recommend?

Mark McGuinness: <em><strong>Mark McGuinness</strong> is a an award-winning <a href="http://www.markmcguinness.com">poet</a>, a <a href="https://lateralaction.com/coaching">coach for creatives</a>, and the host of <a href="https://lateralaction.com/21stcenturycreative">The 21st Century Creative Podcast</a>.</em>

View Comments (13)

  • I think this is a fantastic direction, which is why I've re-focused my blog on creativity (esp. writing) + actually doing your creative projects (I'm trying to avoid sounding like an icky self-promoter!).

    I prefer to think about "being purposeful with my time" rather than being "productive" -- productivity has so many connotations of getting *more* done, and feeling like you *should* be doing something.

  • My favourite productivity/creativity blog has to be Putting Things Off:
    http://putthingsoff.com/
    Nick Cernis' writing style is just phenomenal and his ideas are creative, innovative and inspiring. Definitely one to add to your feedreader!
    Amy
    xx

  • Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

    Mark -- great list! Thanks for including Lateral Action and Wishful Thinking.

    Amy -- I agree Put Things Off is a standout.

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