The Metric Black Hole

It refers to tasks, often shallow work, that lack clear, measurable outcomes, making it difficult to assess their true value. These tasks, like emails or meetings, dominate workplaces because they create the illusion of productivity, even though they contribute little to meaningful progress.

Cal Newport argues that this lack of clear metrics traps individuals and organizations in low-value activities, diverting focus from deep work, which drives long-term results but is harder to measure immediately.