The Impact of COVID on My Work

777: Cal Newport dives into the world of productivity, focus, and intentional living. Cal reflects on his journey as a writer, the impact that professional advice had on his strategies for developing longevity in the field, and why he avoided social media during the age of Facebook. He explains the major themes of his books including time management and the power of “slow productivity” for success, as well as the role that COVID-19 played in influencing these topics. Cal talks about the concept of living a “values-driven lifestyle”, his experience with the “30-Day Declutter” project, and helping young people train their focus. Finally, the conversation uncovers the surprising effects of efficiency and delves into the risks and uncertainties of generative AI and its future.