Ep. 311: Finding Focus in Distracting Times

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Dealing with boring (but important) work. [8:11]- Best tools for day planning. [18:26]- An insider look at my book research process. [20:31]- Advice for returning to school later in life. [32:46]- Making time for non-urgent pursuits. [38:35]Thanks to listener 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.

21 Jan 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.WORK QUESTIONS - How do I minimize meetings at my large corporation? [5:01] - Hod do I accomplish deep work in a responsive role? [11:30] - How do I prioritize self-learning when earning a PhD? [15:19] - How do I optimize time spend waiting for data to crunch? [19:27]  - How do I get important work done with kids at home? [21:48] - How do I encourage my teenagers to do deep work? [26:35]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Will a digital shabbat make a difference? [31:04] - Is LinkedIn Useful? [35:50]  - Do I worry about a lack of end-to-end encryption on Trello? [40:00]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - How I create challenge when my job has become boring? [47:26]  - How an I stay motivated after reaching the pinnacle of success? [54:29] - How do I stay motivated when I'm not good? [57:40]Thanks to listener 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.

18 Jan 20211h 3min

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- "Thank you" emails and overload. [3:14]- Managing information contained in emails. [5:35]- Dividing time into ten minute chunks. [13:30]- Restarting a drive toward digital minimalism. [26:07]- Personal metrics and weekend planning. [34:21]Thanks to listener 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 Jan 202140min

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: Executing Big Projects [10:18]WORK QUESTIONS - Is pairing a problem for programmers? [20:21] - When do you review past time block schedules? [25:46] - How do I force myself to execute my plans? [29:48] - How do you figure out what projects to pursue? [36:38] - Should you take personality traits into mind when choosing a job? [41:39] - Organizing rapidly expanding research rabbit holes. [47:27] - How do I pursue depth surrounded by toddlers? [54:53]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Why do I use Overleaf as my LaTex editor? [59:40] - How do I stay informed about current events without falling into the "Twitter Trap"? [1:02:26] - What is the deal with Zettelkasten note taking? [1:09:10] DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - Should I time block personal time? [1:16:54] - Should I relax between college and my first job? [1:20:39] - How can I develop curiosity? [1:22:38]Thanks to listener 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.

11 Jan 20211h 27min

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Reflections on productivity during distracting events. [3:35]- Trouble getting started. [12:09]- Dealing with cognitive exhaustion after hard periods. [18:01]- Avoiding tool overload. [27:10]- Focused work that's not demanding. [32:01]- Metric tracking tune-ups. [39:58]Thanks to listener 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 Jan 202146min

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS- Preparing for deep work. [6:41]- Keeping on top of everything when you have many roles. [12:32]- Is it possible to time block without a clock? [18:25]- Overcoming graduate student procrastination. [24:18]- Predictable schedules with unpredictable children at home. [29:36]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS- Scheduling asynchronous classes. [34:49]- Plain text productivity using Markdown. [36:57]- Long Term storage of promising ideas. [49:59]- Overcoming fear of what other people will think. [58:49]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS- Sports as a distraction. [1:02:55]- Leisure that’s very similar to your work. [1:06:19]- Why be productive? [1:09:55]Thanks to listener 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.

4 Jan 20211h 19min

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover:- Struggling with organizing tasks. [7:41]- Advice for becoming a fantastic graduate student. [14:18]- My research workflow. [19:43]- Book writing basics. [31:14]Thanks to listener 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 Dec 202039min

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about solidifying your shutdown routines, taming overflowing inboxes, and tuning core values, among many other topics. We also conclude our deep dive into the topic of the deep reset.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 5WORK QUESTIONS- Advanced preparation for deep work blocks. [14:52]- Time blocking chaotic sales jobs. [18:07]- Being supportive of peer success. [20:11]- Shut down ritual troubles. [24:21]- Building the ideal home office. [27:31]- Dealing with deep work dips during busy periods. [31:29]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS- Are podcasts distractions? [35:00]- Dealing with an overflowing inbox. [41:10]- Time blocking household activities. [50:11]- Remembering what you read. [54:06]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS- Updating core values and productivity roots. [57:02]- When productivity swamps out everything else. [1:01:06]- The deep life versus maximizing success. [1:05:54]Thanks to listener 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.

28 Dec 20201h 13min