The hottest Productivity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
The ZenMode 42 implied HN points 21 Feb 24
  1. Set clear work boundaries and create a dedicated workspace to improve productivity.
  2. Break tasks into manageable sprints, schedule breaks, and prioritize self-care for peak performance.
  3. Declutter and personalize your workspace, invest in ergonomic furniture, and optimize your sleep for better overall well-being.
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Engineering Enablement 14 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. The DX Core 4 is a new framework that combines existing models like DORA, SPACE, and DevEx to measure developer productivity more effectively. It aims to give clear guidance on what companies should measure.
  2. This framework focuses on four main areas: speed, effectiveness, quality, and impact, each with specific metrics to help organizations understand and improve their developer processes.
  3. The DX Core 4 is intended to be transparent and helpful for developers, promoting conversations around their challenges rather than using metrics against them.
Engineering Enablement 13 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. Smaller companies are quicker at delivering work than larger ones. Tech companies with fewer than 500 developers are particularly fast, completing more tasks per week.
  2. Tech companies spend more time creating new features and have a better experience for developers compared to traditional businesses. This helps them innovate more effectively.
  3. Large traditional companies may work slower, but they often have fewer errors in their work. This makes them safer, even if they don't deliver as quickly as tech firms.
Grist Potentia 39 implied HN points 10 Jun 23
  1. AI is being discussed a lot right now, with faster analysis of its economic impact compared to past tech changes.
  2. Generative AI is linked to increased productivity, though mostly based on anecdotes and personal experiences.
  3. Research by Economics Ph.D. candidates at MIT may provide more insights into the productivity gains from generative AI.
Elad's Newsletter 39 implied HN points 06 May 23
  1. Yana Frank has insightful productivity strategies, such as tracking time spent on tasks and leaving room for spontaneity in her schedule.
  2. Algorithmic feeds can significantly impact the audience and content of creators, as seen in Yana's experience on LiveJournal.
  3. Yana's approach to writing teaches the importance of sharing content that resonates personally, rather than waiting for perfection.
Newsletter Circle 39 implied HN points 07 May 23
  1. Chenell Basilio's newsletter, Growth in Reverse, analyzes top creators' journeys to over 50k subscribers, providing actionable insights.
  2. Chenell started with Twitter for initial subscribers and leveraged Upscribe and Twitter/LinkedIn for continued growth.
  3. Monetization sources include sponsorships, consulting, Upscribe, and affiliates, with plans for a course in the future.
🔮 Crafting Tech Teams 39 implied HN points 19 Jul 23
  1. Release cadence is a stronger predictor than estimates when it comes to team performance.
  2. Engineers estimate their 'buying power' of time, leading to overconfidence rather than accurate forecasts.
  3. It's important to prioritize release cadence over estimates to ensure realistic planning and avoid the angst of constantly re-planning when estimates don't align with reality.
Joshua's Notes 39 implied HN points 21 Jun 23
  1. Dealing with blockage in projects: consider brute force or stepping away.
  2. Brute force and sheer will can be effective in solving certain problems.
  3. Sometimes, stepping away to clear your mind can help you see the problem in a different light.
What's AI Newsletter by Louis-François Bouchard 39 implied HN points 17 Apr 23
  1. AI-powered tools can significantly boost productivity by automating tasks and improving efficiency.
  2. Using AI tools raises ethical considerations regarding privacy, bias, misuse, and accountability that need to be addressed.
  3. AI-powered tools offer opportunities for inclusivity and innovation while requiring responsible development practices to mitigate risks.
Weekend Developer 39 implied HN points 22 Jul 23
  1. The PARA framework can help organize digital information into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives to improve productivity.
  2. With the PARA framework, information is stored based on when you plan to act on it, making it easier to access and utilize.
  3. Tools like Evernote, Notion, and Roam Research can be used to implement the dynamic PARA system and have information accessible across devices.
The ZenMode 42 implied HN points 14 Feb 24
  1. Strategic planning is key: Designate crucial coding tasks that ignite your passion the night before to fuel deep focus and better code.
  2. Create a distraction-free coding environment: Silence your phone, limit browser tabs, and resist multitasking to enhance true focus in a minimalist space.
  3. Take care of your body and experiment with coding blocks: Stay hydrated, consider supplements, move physically, and adapt your coding sessions to find your unique rhythm.
KURATION 19 implied HN points 06 Feb 24
  1. Snapchat's parent company is reducing its workforce by 10% to 'reduce hierarchy.'
  2. An AI tool by Bumble can identify and block scam accounts and fake profiles.
  3. Former leaders from Blue Origin are looking to mine resources on the moon.
burkhardstubert 99 implied HN points 01 Jan 23
  1. Test-Driven Development (TDD) helps developers get quick feedback while coding, improving overall project quality. This means fewer mistakes and less time spent fixing problems later.
  2. Using TDD can reduce the complexity of code by breaking down problems into smaller parts, making it easier to manage and understand.
  3. TDD encourages a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork, allowing all developers to take responsibility for the code they write. This leads to better collaboration and a more successful project.
Maestro's Musings 105 implied HN points 14 Sep 23
  1. Software development involves more than just writing code; it's a symphony of collaboration, communication, and coordination.
  2. Developers spend a small fraction of their day writing code; other activities like collaborating, debugging, and planning play significant roles.
  3. AI can enhance developer team productivity by focusing on automated testing, augmented code reviews, automated project management, and more beyond code generation.
Diane Francis 279 implied HN points 28 Jun 21
  1. The economy could be on the rise again after the pandemic, similar to the Roaring Twenties after the Spanish flu. There are signs of growth and optimism like low interest rates and high productivity.
  2. Technology is advancing rapidly, especially in areas like AI and healthcare. These advancements can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce over time.
  3. While things look good now, there might be challenges ahead, like political issues or international conflicts. It's important to enjoy the current momentum while it lasts.
Psych 19 implied HN points 17 Jan 24
  1. Using a phone as a break during tough mental tasks doesn't help the brain recharge well and might make performance worse.
  2. Taking phone breaks during tasks can lead to feeling mentally drained and performing less effectively than taking breaks using paper or computer.
  3. Phones might distract more than other devices, making it harder to focus on work and can lead to decreased performance.
escape the algorithm 39 implied HN points 09 May 23
  1. AI tools can be utilized for anti-productive purposes like fostering connection and reflection, not just productivity.
  2. As AI technology advances, we may gain unprecedented control over tools but risk losing control of our time and responsibilities.
  3. There is potential to reclaim AI to slow down, pay attention, and deepen connections rather than solely focusing on productivity and output.