The Problems with Productivity

Office Life

A defense of time-wasting and procrastination

Updated: 2026.05.25

5 min read · Basic

The Problems with Productivity

생산성이란 것의 단점

Articles

The Importance of Taking Breaks

Videos

Learn to Rest So Well It Makes You Dangerous What staying up all night does to your brain - Anna Rothschild

Discussion Questions

In your own words, please briefly summarize the article.

여러분의 언어로 교재를 간단히 요약해 주세요.

What part of the reading resonated with you most?

이번 교재에서 가장 공감하는 내용은 무엇인가요?

Do you feel guilty when you take time off and do nothing productive? Can you describe a recent experience?

생산적이지 않은 일로 시간을 보낼 때 죄책감을 느끼시나요? 최근 경험을 이야기해주세요.

Have you ever noticed a difference in the quality of your decisions depending on how tired or rested you are?

피로 또는 휴식 상태에 따라 의사결정의 질이 달라지는 것을 느껴본 적이 있나요?

What activities help you recharge mentally? Do you consider them productive or wasteful?

정신적으로 재충전하는 데 도움이 되는 활동은 무엇인가요? 그것이 생산적이라고 생각하나요, 아니면 낭비라고 생각하나요?

Do you think society places too much emphasis on productivity? How does this affect people's well-being?

사회가 생산성에 너무 많은 비중을 두고 있다고 생각하시나요? 이것이 사람들의 웰빙에 어떤 영향을 미친다고 보시나요?

The author argues that procrastination allows the brain to work on problems subconsciously. Do you find this convincing?

저자는 미루기가 뇌가 문제를 잠재의식적으로 처리하게 해준다고 주장합니다. 이 주장이 설득력 있다고 생각하시나요?

How do you think the concept of "decision fatigue" applies to leadership roles and high-pressure careers?

"결정 피로" 개념이 리더십 역할이나 고압적인 직업에 어떻게 적용된다고 생각하시나요?

Is there a risk that using procrastination as a productivity strategy could become an excuse to avoid responsibilities?

미루기를 생산성 전략으로 사용하는 것이 책임을 회피하는 핑계가 될 위험이 있지는 않을까요?

Q10

The parole judges study showed that fewer decisions led to better outcomes. What systemic changes could reduce decision fatigue in workplaces?

가석방 판사 연구는 결정 수를 줄이면 더 나은 결과로 이어진다는 것을 보여줬습니다. 직장에서 결정 피로를 줄이기 위해 어떤 체계적 변화가 필요할까요?

Q11

To what extent do you think cultural attitudes toward hard work and laziness influence how people perceive procrastination?

근면함과 게으름에 대한 문화적 태도가 미루기에 대한 인식에 얼마나 영향을 미친다고 생각하시나요?

Q12

If you have a question or questions that you'd like to discuss during your class, please write them down.

궁금한 점이 있거나 수업 중에 얘기해 보고 싶은 질문이 있으면 적어주세요.

Expressions

kick back

to relax and take it easy

Example

After a long day at work, I like to kick back and watch a movie.

Example

We kicked back by the beach, enjoying the sunset.

contrary to

opposite to what was expected or believed

Example

Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water.

Example

Contrary to his usual behavior, he was very quiet today.

Example

Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water.

Example

Contrary to his usual behavior, he was very quiet today.

parole

the release of a prisoner before the full sentence is completed, with conditions

Example

The prisoner was granted parole after serving ten years.

Example

If he violates the rules, he could lose his parole.

subsequent

coming after or following something in time or order

Example

In subsequent years, the company expanded rapidly.

Example

The subsequent investigation revealed new evidence.

let one's mind wander

to allow thoughts to drift freely without focusing on anything specific

Example

I let my mind wander during the long train ride and came up with a great idea.

Example

Sometimes it helps to let your mind wander instead of forcing a solution.

*This material is designed for the exclusive use of Ringle students on the Ringle platform.

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