Special Episode: "Say More" Feed Drop from The Boston Globe with guest Cal Newport
Jun 14, 2024
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Computer scientist and author Cal Newport challenges common beliefs about productivity, advocating for minimizing social media and phone use. He discusses how technology affects burnout in knowledge work and offers tips for managing stress and maximizing productivity. Newport emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and prioritizing meaningful contributions over constant activity. The podcast explores strategies for reducing overstimulation from phone use and shifting public perception on quitting social media. Newport's approach to slow productivity focuses on finding happiness through deep work and digital minimalism.
Productivity should focus on outcomes rather than activities, advocating for less multitasking and more quality work.
Technology like email and smartphones has worsened burnout in knowledge work, highlighting the need for sustainable productivity approaches.
Deep dives
Redefining Productivity for Knowledge Workers
Computer scientist Cal Newport challenges the traditional notions of productivity in knowledge work. He emphasizes focusing on outcomes rather than activities, advocating for less multitasking and more focus on quality. Newport suggests that doing fewer tasks at a time, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality can lead to higher productivity. By shifting the mindset from busy activities to valuable outcomes, workers can achieve sustainable productivity.
Impact of Technology on Work and Burnout
Cal Newport explores how technology, such as email and smartphones, has contributed to the burnout epidemic in knowledge work. He reflects on how the introduction of these tools changed the dynamics of knowledge work, leading to increased difficulties in sustaining efforts. Newport highlights the importance of defining productivity based on sustained value creation and effective time management to combat burnout.
Adapting to Remote Work and Overcoming Distractions
Newport recommends working near home rather than at home to minimize distractions and separate personal space from work environment. He advises creating boundaries with technology, suggesting strategies like leaving phones in designated areas and embracing solitude to reduce overstimulation. By advocating for intentional work practices and focusing on meaningful outcomes, Newport helps individuals navigate the challenges of remote work and maintain work-life balance.
Hey, everybody. We're sharing something special today from our pals over at the Say More podcast, where in a special series, Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung is opening up the conversation about stress and burnout to help listeners feel less alone and inspired to get help. She connects with experts like Krista Tippett and Emily Nagoski, who use medical science, social science, and philosophy to answer deep questions about how stress works on our bodies and our minds so we can work better and live better.
In this episode that we're sharing with you, computer scientist and best selling author Cal Newport says we've been thinking about productivity all wrong. We are big fans of Cal Newport. Shirley talks to Cal about the ways the modern office worker is primed for professional burnout, how hybrid work is just making it worse, and what we can do about it.
He's not a Luddite by any stretch, but he says that we should quit social media and leave our phones behind whenever possible. Okay, here comes the preview. You can listen to Say More here: https://link.chtbl.com/saymore?sid=designbetter
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