Consistently producing quality work is achievable through slow and steady progress in various types of work, not just writing.
Having a designated place to store potential ideas or projects eliminates the need to remember and ensures they are not forgotten.
Striking a balance between producing quality work and avoiding unnecessary effort is key to productivity.
Deep dives
Adapting the 500 words a day target for non-writing work
The concept of slow productivity and the idea of steadily producing quality work applies to various types of work, not just writing. The key is to expand the time frame for evaluating productivity and focus on consistent, sustainable effort. Instead of being frantic or burning the midnight oil, aim for slow and steady progress in your research. Quality work can be achieved by consistently working on tasks related to your research, solving problems, and running experiments at a reasonable pace.
Using a root document to manage ideas/projects
To manage potential ideas or projects that you might want to pursue in the future, it's helpful to have a designated place to store them. Consider creating a root document or a centralized system for storing your someday/maybe list where you can easily access and update it. This eliminates the need to remember ideas or opportunities and ensures that they are not forgotten. Having a centralized system also allows you to stay organized and easily track potential projects across various aspects of your life.
Avoiding over-elaboration and excessive work
When it comes to productivity, it's important to strike a balance between producing quality work and avoiding excessive or unnecessary effort. Focus on the end goal and what you want to accomplish in the long run. Avoid over-elaboration or unnecessary work that doesn't contribute significantly to your overall objectives. Embrace a slow and steady approach that allows you to consistently produce work that you are proud of over time.
Adapting to non-writing work in academia
For individuals in academic fields where writing is not the primary activity, such as computer science research, it's crucial to maintain a steady and deliberate approach to your work. Spend time solving math equations, exploring theorems, or running experiments at a sustainable pace. While writing may not be the main focus, consider how your research can be effectively communicated through academic papers or presentations, as these are essential elements of disseminating your findings in academia.
Finding Fulfillment in Realizing the Discrepancy Between Idealized Concepts and Real-world Experience
Michael, an engineer from the U.K., reflects on the conflict between his envisioned deep life, including hobbies like gardening, and the actual experience of engaging in those activities. He finds that what he once idealized as a fulfilling pursuit feels like labor and drudgery. While it may be tempting to continue due to invested effort and expenses, it is normal to find such discrepancies between our idealized concepts of a deep life and the realities of pursuing them in the real world.
Balancing Hobbies with a Holistic Approach to Deep Living
It is important to recognize that hobbies and leisure activities, though significant, should not be the central focus of a deep life. Instead, a holistic approach encompassing craft, community, constitution, contemplation, and celebration is more effective. Prioritizing service to others, intellectual pursuits, personal growth, and engagement with one's community can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. While hobbies can be part of the celebration aspect, one should be open to experiment with different activities, starting with small steps and gradually expanding based on personal preference and resonance.
- How can I motivate my kids to have Cal’s work ethic? [24:28] - What are Cal’s tips for writing better articles? [34:48] - Are someday/maybe lists worth it? [44:33] - How can a researcher embrace slow productivity? [48:24] - Why did Cal switch from Roam to Obsidian note-taking software? [53:47]
CASE STUDY: A World Without Email got my team through a crisis [57:01]
- How can I concentrate on work with so many bad things happening in the world? [1:09:31] - What if I don’t enjoy the deep life I designed? [1:20:16]
