How to Be Less Useful: The Joy of Inefficiency by Priyanka Mattoo

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.25/5)

Full review posted here: https://prairiefoxreads.blogspot.com/2026/11/how-to-be-less-useful-joy-of.html

In a world that constantly measures our worth by how much we accomplish, how many tasks we complete, and how efficiently we can move from one obligation to the next, How to Be Less Useful feels almost rebellious. Part memoir, part cultural commentary, and part invitation to reclaim the parts of ourselves that exist outside of productivity, Priyanka Mattoo's book offers a refreshing perspective for anyone who has ever felt exhausted by the relentless pressure to always be doing more.

From the very beginning, Mattoo's voice is the book's greatest strength. She writes with warmth, humor, and a self-awareness that makes even her more serious observations feel approachable. Rather than positioning herself as a guru offering solutions, she invites readers into a conversation about ambition, expectations, aging, family, creativity, and the often-overlooked value of simply existing without a goal attached to every moment.

One of the aspects I appreciated most was how personal the book feels. Mattoo blends stories from her own life with broader reflections on modern culture, creating a narrative that is both intimate and relatable. There is a sincerity to her writing that makes it easy to connect with her experiences, even when your own circumstances may be very different. The book often feels less like a traditional self-help guide and more like sitting down with a thoughtful friend over coffee and discussing the pressures of modern adulthood.

The central premise is deceptively simple: not everything we do has to serve a productive purpose. While that idea may sound obvious on the surface, Mattoo argues that many of us have become so accustomed to efficiency-driven thinking that we've forgotten how to enjoy activities simply because they bring us joy. Whether it's reading, pursuing a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply allowing ourselves moments of rest, the author challenges the notion that every action must be justified by measurable outcomes.

What makes the book particularly effective is that it avoids becoming preachy. Mattoo recognizes the realities of work, responsibilities, and ambition. She is not suggesting that readers abandon their goals or responsibilities altogether. Instead, she makes a compelling case for balance, reminding us that a meaningful life involves more than productivity metrics and endless to-do lists. That nuance helps the book feel practical rather than idealistic.

The memoir elements were often my favorite sections. These personal anecdotes provide depth and authenticity to the broader themes being discussed. They also inject humor into the narrative, preventing the book from becoming overly reflective or repetitive. Several passages made me smile, while others prompted me to pause and consider how often I evaluate my own time through the lens of usefulness.

That said, the book is not without its shortcomings. While many of the essays are insightful and engaging, some of the themes begin to overlap as the book progresses. Certain observations about productivity culture and societal expectations feel familiar, particularly if you've read other books exploring burnout, mindfulness, or work-life balance. There were moments when I wished the author had pushed some of her ideas further or explored them in greater depth.

The structure can also feel somewhat episodic at times. Readers looking for a tightly organized argument or a step-by-step framework may find themselves wishing for more consistency between chapters. However, those approaching the book as a collection of reflections and personal essays will likely find its conversational style appealing.

What stayed with me after finishing the book wasn't necessarily any single piece of advice but rather the feeling it created. It serves as a reminder that life is not a productivity contest. Some of our most meaningful experiences cannot be measured, optimized, monetized, or checked off a list. Relationships, creativity, curiosity, and rest often matter precisely because they serve no practical purpose beyond enriching our lives.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of How to Be Less Useful is that it encourages readers to reconsider assumptions they may not even realize they hold. Why do we feel guilty when we're not being productive? Why do hobbies often become side hustles? Why do we struggle to rest without trying to earn it first? Mattoo doesn't claim to have all the answers, but she asks these questions with intelligence, humor, and compassion.

Overall, How to Be Less Useful is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that combines memoir and cultural observation in a way that feels both timely and deeply human. While some ideas may feel familiar to seasoned readers of personal development and wellness literature, Mattoo's engaging voice and honest storytelling make the journey worthwhile. It's a book that gently challenges readers to step off the treadmill of constant achievement and rediscover the value of simply being.

And perhaps the most important question the book leaves behind is this: if no one were keeping score of your accomplishments, how would you choose to spend your time?