Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 269: Don’t Get Started

Oct 9, 2023

In this podcast episode, Cal Newport shares some unconventional yet effective ideas he has proposed in his professional writing career. He explores the importance of not just getting started, but also focusing on confidence in social settings, being an ordinary person, and the value of friendships. He also discusses the use of YouTube for discovering new ideas and answers a reader's question about the naturalness of productivity. Overall, this episode covers a range of thought-provoking topics related to personal growth and productivity.

01:19:09

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Quick takeaways

Implement organization systems and multi-scale planning to prevent deadlines from piling up and prioritize craft in work.

Recognize and reclaim the satisfaction that comes from getting things done, acknowledging the basic human instinct to accomplish and create.

Deep dives

Finding a New Path in Education: Prioritizing Craft and Avoiding Burnout

Evelyn, who previously worked in a non-classroom role before returning to the classroom, seeks advice on approaching her work in a way that guards against burnout, prioritizes craft, deep work, and slow productivity. Firstly, Evelyn is commended for aligning her career with her ideal lifestyle and addressing any decrease in income through zero-based budgeting. Several recommendations are provided, including implementing organization systems and multi-scale planning to prevent deadlines from piling up, tailoring the curriculum to minimize negative impact, establishing boundaries and time management strategies, connecting with other teachers for support and collaboration, fostering deep connections with students, and incorporating mindfulness practices to manage stress and maintain focus on the present moment.

How to Structure Your Work Like an Artist

02:29

The Key to Success

01:10

Treating Your Mind Like a Private Garden: Controlling and Cultivating Your Thoughts

00:49

The Importance of Sacrifice in Building Real Friendships

00:57

Introduction

4min

Avoiding Context Switching and Efficient Email Management

25min

Exploring 'Daily Rituals' and Introducing Mosh

6min

Balancing Exceptionalness and Values

23min

Using YouTube Effectively

9min

The Drive Towards Accomplishment

10min

Engaging with the Comments Section and Signing up for the Newsletter

2min

After an episode in which Cal reviewed ancient wisdom on cultivating a deeper life, he turns his attention back to more recent advice. Focusing on three of the more unconventional but unambiguously effective ideas that he has proposed in his twenty years of professional writing on these topics.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Getting started is overrated [6:29]

- How can I become more confident in social settings? [36:15]

- Is it ok to be an ordinary person? [40:52]

- Is it important to have friends? [46:41]

- I took a pay cut to become a teacher again. How can I better organize my life to prioritize craft? [49:36]

- Is it ok to use YouTube to discover new ideas? [57:28]

Reader’s React: Is Productivity Natural? [1:05:04]

Links:

calnewport.com/dangerous-ideas-getting-started-is-overrated/

calnewport.com/treat-your-mind-as-you-would-a-private-garden/