avatarTony Stubblebine
# Summary

This article, featured for Medium Members, discusses the importance of focusing on personal development through productivity techniques that emphasize disconnection from technology and fostering real relationships for happiness.

# Abstract

The content selected for Medium's personal development section delves into the essence of productivity, questioning the purpose behind productivity advice. Benjamin Sledge, the author, addresses the core issue of disconnection in modern life, where technology and work often fail to contribute to genuine happiness. His article, which is not just a collection of productivity tips but a guide to solving the problem of emotional disconnection, suggests that true productivity should lead to meaningful engagement with others and a happier life, rather than merely increased output.

# Opinions

- Productivity is not an end in itself but a means to a more fulfilling life.
- Many people overlook the true purpose of productivity, mistaking it for an ultimate goal rather than a tool.
- The author, Benjamin Sledge, is commended for his willingness to explore deeper issues beyond surface-level productivity advice.
- The article implies that our reliance on technology and the nature of modern work often lead to unhappiness and disconnection.
- A key opinion in the article is the necessity to disconnect from technology periodically to reconnect with people and build authentic relationships.
- The editorial perspective suggests that just reading the article can provide more insight than trying to extract standalone productivity techniques from it.

Why this article?

A few editorial thoughts — none of which should supersede just reading the article.

I picked this article for Medium Members (the $5/month very-early still-has-a-waiting-list new Medium subscription service) as part of producing their personal development content.

There’s a question I often ask productivity gurus, “To What End Are You Giving Advice?”

I ask that question because productivity is a means, not an end. And yet so many people miss this.

What I appreciate about the author, Benjamin Sledge, is that he was willing to go deeper. Hidden in this article are productivity techniques.

But he only gives you those as a solution to an actual problem. We are disconnected. Technology (often) isn’t making us happier. Work (often) isn’t making us happier. So what are we to do? Disconnect and put an emphasis on real relationships.

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