How to be productive | Clara Sousa-Silva and Lex Fridman

TL;DR

Being productive and happy as a researcher requires finding joy in collaboration, selecting the right collaborators, and prioritizing happiness over productivity.

Transcript

are there books or movies in your life long ago or recently do you have any time for books or movies had an impact on you uh what ideas did you take away i absolutely have time for books and movies i try as best i can to not work very hard um i mostly fail i should point out but i think i'm a better scientist when i don't work evenings and weekends... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Making time for books and movies can enhance scientific productivity.
• 🧑‍🔬 Feeling productive is crucial for happiness as a scientist.
• 💦 Selecting the right collaborators based on compatibility is essential for enjoyable and successful scientific work.
• 🤗 Happiness and collaboration go hand in hand, leading to better science and personal satisfaction.
• 👨‍🔬 Avoiding conflicts and choosing collaborators wisely contribute to a positive research experience.
• 🔬 The lone wolf mentality is destructive in science, and collaboration is crucial for good science.
• ⌛ Collaboration is a skill that can be developed and improved upon over time.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the speaker balance work and personal time to be a productive researcher?

The speaker tries to work fewer hours in the evenings and weekends and focuses on getting four high-quality scientific hours per day. They acknowledge the challenge and admit to often failing but believe that being a better scientist requires taking breaks.

Q: What advice does the speaker give for being productive and happy as a researcher?

The speaker suggests that it is difficult to feel happy as a scientist without being productive. However, they also highlight the importance of having productive and successful students, as it brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Collaborating with good people, selecting compatible collaborators, and avoiding conflicts are crucial for happiness and productivity as a researcher.

Q: How does collaboration impact scientific work?

Collaboration is an essential aspect of scientific work, contributing to better science and personal satisfaction. The speaker believes that choosing collaborators based on compatibility is a wise scientific choice because having a miserable collaborator can ruin the entire scientific experience. Good collaboration enhances focus, attention to detail, and overall enjoyment of the work.

Q: What is the speaker's perspective on productivity and happiness in research?

The speaker considers productivity as an outcome of happiness rather than the other way around. They prioritize being happy, waking up excited about work, and enjoying the people they collaborate with. By prioritizing happiness, productivity naturally thrives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of making time for books and movies in order to be a better scientist.

• Productivity and happiness as a researcher are interconnected, and it is challenging to feel happiness without being productive.

• Choosing collaborators based on compatibility and avoiding conflicts is crucial for enjoyable and successful scientific work.