The Best Time-Management Advice Is Depressing But Liberating. And the more efficient you get, the more inputs you attract. If you get really good at processing email, you’ll get more email because you get a reputation for being responsive on email. The same idea applies elsewhere: If your reputation in the office is that you’re good at getting through work fast, you’re given more things to do.

The Best Time-Management Advice Is Depressing But Liberating. And the more efficient you get, the more inputs you attract. If you get really good at processing email, you’ll get more email because you get a reputation for being responsive on email. The same idea applies elsewhere: If your reputation in the office is that you’re good at getting through work fast, you’re given more things to do.

Write about what you read to internalize texts deeply. If you want to deeply internalize something you’re reading, the best way I know is to write about it. For deep understanding, it’s not enough to just highlight or write marginalia in books: there isn’t much pressure to synthesize, connect, or to get to the heart of things. And they don’t add up to anything over time as you read more. Instead, write Evergreen notes as you read.

These two seemingly unrelated pieces of advice actually have a common thread running through them - the idea that efficiency and productivity can have unintended consequences. The more efficient we become, the more work we attract. Similarly, the more we read and consume information, the more we need to actively engage with it to truly understand and retain it.

In today's fast-paced world, time management is a crucial skill that many of us strive to master. We want to be able to do more in less time and be seen as productive individuals. However, as the first piece of advice suggests, becoming highly efficient can actually lead to an increase in workload. If we become known for our ability to quickly process emails, for example, we may find ourselves inundated with more emails than before. The same applies to our work in general - if we consistently demonstrate our ability to complete tasks quickly, we may be assigned even more tasks.

This can be disheartening for those who are constantly seeking to improve their time management skills. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of trying to stay one step ahead, only to be met with an even greater workload. However, there is a silver lining to this seemingly depressing reality. By recognizing that efficiency attracts more work, we can also see it as a sign of our competence and reliability. Our ability to handle increased responsibilities can be seen as a testament to our skills and work ethic.

The second piece of advice, although unrelated at first glance, actually complements the first. It suggests that writing about what we read is a powerful tool for deepening our understanding and internalizing information. Highlighting and writing marginalia in books can be helpful, but they often lack the depth and synthesis required for true comprehension. On the other hand, writing Evergreen notes as we read allows us to actively engage with the material, connect ideas, and get to the heart of the matter.

By connecting these ideas, we can see that in order to effectively manage our time and handle the increased workload that efficiency brings, we need to develop strategies for internalizing and understanding the information we encounter. Writing about what we read serves as a way to synthesize and connect ideas, which can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding and retention of the material.

So, what actionable advice can we take from these insights? Here are three suggestions to help navigate the complex world of time management and information consumption:

1. Embrace the workload that comes with efficiency: Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the increased responsibilities that efficiency attracts, view it as an opportunity to showcase your skills and capabilities. Recognize that your ability to handle a heavier workload is a testament to your competence and reliability.

2. Write Evergreen notes as you read: Instead of passively consuming information, actively engage with it by writing about it. Create Evergreen notes that allow you to synthesize and connect ideas. This will not only deepen your understanding but also help you retain the information over time.

3. Prioritize and delegate: As your workload increases, it becomes essential to prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary. Identify the most important and urgent tasks and focus your energy on those. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, freeing up your time for more critical responsibilities.

In conclusion, the best time-management advice may initially seem depressing, but it can also be liberating. By recognizing the consequences of efficiency and developing strategies for deepening our understanding and retention of information, we can effectively navigate the challenges that come with managing our time. Embrace the increased workload as a testament to your capabilities, actively engage with the material you consume, and prioritize and delegate tasks to stay on top of your responsibilities.