Ep. 279: Confronting Overload

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do you apply deep work when your job is entirely shallow? [4:37] - Is batching emails a few times a day a good practice? [12:20] - Why are some tips for managing the flow of emails and texts from clients? [19:54] - What am I (Cal) working during my teaching sabbatical this spring? [26:45] - What are the ideal ratios for writing, thinking, and reading in a day? [29:47] - Can I (Cal) elaborate on how I track deep work? [34:17] - How do you avoid easing up on the gas after tenure? [35:58] - How do I teach my kids to appreciate career capital? [40:08]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - How does Cal Newport handle stress? [46:44] - how much news should I be reading? [51:55] - Is there a connection between Stephen Covey's saw and Newport's buckets? [57:59] - How do you (Cal) deal with failure and setbacks? [1:00:21]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 Juni 20211h 4min

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.   - Balancing the unpredictable demands of a small business. [3:16] - Taming emails when it's hard to say "no". [10:02] - Notebook overkill. [20:47] - On adverting and social media.[29:52] - My thoughts on video games. [35:45]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10 Juni 202142min

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do you do deep work when you're not in the mood? [3:48] - How do you mange time for side hustle projects? [13:38] - What future technologies will have the biggest positive impact on focus and attention? [16:51] - How do I avoid prioritizing other peoples' task needs above my own? [24:28] - How do I build career capital without guidance? [30:12]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - How do I stop my social media relapses? [43:50] - How do I remain committed to the deep life? [48:28] - What is the relationship between order and well-being? [52:56] - How do I (Cal) track my values? [1:00:45]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

7 Juni 20211h 5min

In this episode, author Brad Stulberg joins me in person at my Deep Work HQ (!) for a deep dive into the topic of busyness, burn out, and the quest to craft more sustainable professional lives. For more on Brad: https://thegrowtheq.com/ or my interview from Episode 47.Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3 Juni 20211h 22min

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - Should I maintain a day free from all work? [3:55] - How do I take notes on a Kindle? [9:06] - How an I integrate accountability with my time-block planning? (Bonus rant on making workloads transparent.) [11:31] - How do I avoid over-structuring my life as a student? [19:49] - What is my (Cal) computer science research about? [21:35] - What is the best productivity system for someone who manages hundreds of tasks across numerous projects? [25:26]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - How do you decide when to commit to a new role or project? [34:07 - Are my (Cal) ideas on passion in stark contrast to most philosophers? [39:44] - Have I (Cal) started a new book yet? [44:25] - Should I spend time on investing or my side project? [45:07] - What is the role of productivity in the deep life? [51:19]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

31 Maj 202158min

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.  - Dealing with time blocking overload. [4:13] - Planning household admin. [9:04] - How theoreticians schedule proof work. [16:24] - Retyping notes (or not). [27:57] - Becoming a better conductor. [34:15]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

27 Maj 202145min

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP DIVE: How Can I Significantly Reduce Email? [6:30]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS: - How do I account for transition time between time blocks? [20:20] - Rant Alert: How do I creeping combat corporate complexity?[21:58] - How do I identify processes to optimize? [29:58] - How much should one rely on technology to think? [33:10]  - How important is memorization in deep work? [36:07] - Should I move to Sweden or make more money? [38:09]   - Should I take a promotion that requires lots of shallow work? [46:50]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:  - Would people use Facebook if it cost money? [52:54] - Do you (Cal) identify with philosophy of Ayn Rand? [57:56] - How do you balance discipline and enjoyment in leisure? [59:03] - What's the best way to prioritize which books to read? [1:03:18]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Maj 20211h 7min

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.  - How long to keep items on a "done" list. [2:09] - When is it worth spending money on productivity software? [4:57] - Troubleshooting time blocks. [14:33] - Scheduling short breaks (or not). [19:30] - Avoiding distractions during planning. [30:04] - Helping young people figure out their career. [33:31]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Maj 202139min