Ep. 61: How Should I Tackle Big Projects?

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Jan 11, 2021

Discover how to tackle big projects with structured approaches and persistence. Learn about the innovative Zettelkasten note-taking method, perfect for managing complex tasks. Explore effective project management strategies and the balance between working hard and parenting. Find out how to navigate news consumption without falling into the social media trap. Plus, get tips on nurturing curiosity and establishing keystone habits for personal growth.

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ADVICE

Multi-Scale Project Planning

Plan big projects at three scales: quarterly/seasonally, weekly, and daily.
Execute daily plans faithfully, trusting the system to drive steady progress.

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INSIGHT

List-Reactive Method's Flaw

The list-reactive method, common among knowledge workers, hinders big project progress.
Reacting to emails and Slack messages makes it difficult to allocate time for long-term efforts.

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ADVICE

Programming Pairing Advice

Pair programming, with two programmers at one screen, boosts productivity through increased focus.
Avoid remote pairing with constant chat, as it disrupts concentration and reduces coding efficiency.

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Exploring the Execution of Big Projects

06:25 • 5min

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Mastering Project Management

11:16 • 52min

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Rethinking News Consumption and Embracing Productivity Tools

01:03:41 • 5min

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Mastering Zettelkasten: A Path to Knowledge and Growth

01:08:48 • 19min

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How to be a High School Superstar

a Revolutionary plan to get into college by standing out (without burning out)

Cal Newport

In this book, Cal Newport argues that high school students can achieve admission to top colleges without the typical heavy course loads and overwhelming activity schedules. He introduces the concept of the 'relaxed superstar,' students who lead uncluttered, low-stress, and authentic lives while focusing on a few meaningful activities. Newport provides practical advice on why doing less can be more impressive, why demonstrating passion is less important than being interesting, and why accomplishments that are hard to explain are better than those that are hard to do. The book is based on extensive interviews and cutting-edge science, offering step-by-step instructions for adopting the relaxed superstar lifestyle.

How to Take Smart Notes

One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking – for Students, Academics and Nonfiction Book Writers

Sönke Ahrens

This book introduces the Zettelkasten method, a note-taking system developed by Niklas Luhmann. It emphasizes the importance of creating a reliable and simple external structure to compensate for the limitations of our brains. Ahrens explains how to organize notes in a way that fosters deep thinking, learning, and writing. The method involves taking atomic notes, linking ideas, and using a slip-box to store and connect these notes. This approach helps in developing a lifelong pool of rich and interconnected ideas, enhancing productivity, and improving critical thinking and writing skills.

So Good They Can't Ignore You

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

Cal Newport

In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that following one's passion is the key to career happiness. Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love. Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big. He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.

Digital Minimalism

Cal Newport

In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives. He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest. The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction. Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values.

A World Without Email

Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload

Cal Newport

In 'A World Without Email', Cal Newport argues that the constant digital communication, which he terms the 'hyperactive hive mind', has become a productivity disaster. He contends that this workflow, driven by email and other messaging tools, reduces profitability, slows economic growth, and makes workers miserable. Newport proposes a workplace where clear processes, not haphazard messaging, define task management. He advocates for each person working on fewer tasks but doing them better, with significant investment in support to reduce administrative burdens. The book lays out principles and concrete instructions for streamlining important communication and reducing the central role of inboxes and chat channels in the workplace.

Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

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.

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