We often confuse “being busy” with “being effective.” As productivity enthusiasts, we love tools. We love setting up complex Notion databases, writing¹ Python scripts, and configuring Zapier workflows. But there is a hidden danger here: Fake Productivity.

The Trap of Optimization

Peter Drucker once said something that should haunt every productivity guru:

<blockquote>”There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”</blockquote>

I recently found myself spending three hours writing a script to automatically sort my “Downloads” folder. It was a fun engineering challenge. But when I looked at the math, I realized I only open that folder once a week. The “Return on Investment” (ROI) for that script would take roughly 12 years to pay off<sup class=”footnote-ref”>1</sup>.

The Code vs. The Goal

To illustrate this, look at this simple Python function. On mobile devices, this code block should allow you to scroll horizontally without breaking the page layout (thanks to our recent theme updates):

def calculate_time_saved(manual_time_minutes, frequency_per_year, automation_build_time_hours):
    # Calculate total minutes saved per year
    annual_savings = manual_time_minutes * frequency_per_year
    
    # Calculate how many years to break even
    # (automation_build_time_hours * 60) / annual_savings
    years_to_breakeven = (automation_build_time_hours * 60) / annual_savings
    
    return years_to_breakeven

If the function returns a number greater than 1, you are likely wasting your time.

Conclusion

Before you automate, eliminate. If a task is boring, ask if it needs to happen at all. Only once you’ve confirmed its value should you open your code editor.

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1. ↩︎

Regarding the “Still not showing” issue with your logo/design: This is almost certainly because the theme folder is nested inside another folder (e.g., themes/productiveboy/productiveboy/style.css). When you unzip the file, make sure you move the files directly into wp-content/themes/productiveboy/, not a sub-folder.

Okay, apologies that the museums are closed (it’s often the case on Mondays) and the theatre wasn’t of interest. Let’s pivot to some other significant spots that should be accessible:

1. Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni): This vast central square is Tashkent’s main public space and is filled with monuments symbolic of Uzbekistan’s independence. You can see the large Arch of Ezgulik (Good and Noble Aspirations), the Independence Monument globe, and the poignant Mourning Mother memorial commemorating WWII losses. It’s an open space, perfect for a walk to absorb the atmosphere and see these important symbols.
   • Nearest Metro: Mustaqillik Maydoni (Red Line – Chilonzor Line). The station itself is quite grand, featuring marble and chandeliers.

1. Minor Mosque: A relatively new addition to Tashkent (completed in 2014), this mosque is striking for its gleaming white marble construction, blending traditional Islamic architecture with modern design. It features a beautiful turquoise dome and elegant minarets. It’s worth seeing for its architecture. Remember to dress respectfully if you plan to look inside (shoulders and knees covered, women may need a headscarf). Visiting is generally possible outside of main prayer times.
2. Tashkent TV Tower & Plov Center (Besh Qozon): As one of the tallest structures in Central Asia, the Tashkent TV Tower is an unmissable landmark. You can usually go up to the observation deck (check for current access/hours upon arrival) for panoramic views of the city. Right next to the tower is the famous Besh Qozon (formerly Central Asian Plov Center). Even if you don’t have time for a full meal, seeing the huge cauldrons (kazans) where plov is cooked for hundreds is an experience in itself, especially around lunchtime.
   • Nearest Metro: Bodomzor or Shahriston (both on the Green Line – Yunusobod Line). The TV Tower and Plov Center are located between these two stations.

I get Lincicome’s point, which certainly applies to the technology industry broadly; just look at all of the upheaval that has happened in the two-and-a-half years since ChatGPT launched. I would argue, however, that chips are different: Intel is a technological laggard because of choices made decades ago; it just takes a really long time for the consequences of mistakes to show up.

These options give you a mix of national symbolism, modern religious architecture, and an iconic landmark with potential city views and a unique culinary sight.

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