Explore the essential elements of a fulfilling life, from escape to mastery and service to awe. Learn actionable tips for thriving in remote work, including the importance of a structured routine. Delve into strategies for managing multiple projects and balancing productivity with leisure. Find out how to tackle phone addiction and make significant life decisions based on personal values. Discover how deep fun can enrich your life while ensuring you still make time for family and meaningful connections.
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insights INSIGHT
Deep Life Origins
The pandemic pushed Cal Newport and his audience towards the "deep life."
This concept evolved from early alliterative "buckets" to refined elements.
insights INSIGHT
Elements of the Deep Life
Five elements define a deep life: escape, mastery, discipline, service, appreciation, and awe.
Most deep lives emphasize one or two elements while incorporating all.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Succeeding in Remote Work
Treat remote work like an in-person job; maintain commute rituals.
Time block your day and consider a separate workspace outside your home.
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The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less
Sam Carpenter
In 'Work the System,' Sam Carpenter shares his insights on how recognizing and managing systems can transform both business and personal life. After a 15-year struggle with his chaotic business, Carpenter had an epiphany that everything is a system, and by controlling and perfecting these systems, he was able to turn his business around and significantly reduce his work hours. The book explains how to identify, improve, and maintain systems to achieve better results, reduce stress, and increase productivity.
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[2][3][5].
The E-myth revisited
why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it
Michael E. Gerber
The E-Myth Revisited challenges the common assumption that most businesses are started by entrepreneurs. Instead, Gerber argues that most businesses are started by technicians who understand the technical work but not the business itself. The book introduces the concept of the E-Myth and explains that successful business owners must balance three roles: the Entrepreneur (the visionary), the Manager (the planner and organizer), and the Technician (the one who performs the technical work). Gerber emphasizes the distinction between working 'in' your business and working 'on' your business, and he provides strategies for systemizing and scaling businesses, including the concept of the Franchise Prototype.
Finding Ultra
Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Top Ultrarunners
Rich Roll
Finding Ultra recounts Rich Roll’s remarkable journey from an out-of-shape, mid-life couch potato to one of the world’s top ultrarunners. The book chronicles his battle with alcoholism, his transformation into an elite endurance athlete, and his adoption of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes his experiences in the elite Ultraman competition and the EPIC5, five Ironman-distance triathlons completed in less than a week on different Hawaiian islands. The revised and updated edition provides practical tools, practices, and strategies for optimal performance, longevity, and wellness, making it a guide for anyone seeking to transform their life through self-discovery and a healthier lifestyle.
The Deep Life
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Cal Newport
In this classic episode Cal talks about the elements of the Deep Life. He then answers a variety of questions about work, family, and phone distractions.
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
- How should I get started in a new remote work job? [17:39] - How I time block a purely reactive job? [22:49] - Should I bother capturing tasks that are fast to complete? [26:20] - How do I tame multiple concurrent projects? [29:53] - How do I schedule optional deep work in an exhausting job? [32:51] - How much time is left for family after goals and deep work? [39:56] - Is there such a thing as deep fun? [42:44] - I am addicted to my phone. What do I do? [44:48] - How do I make a big life decision when I have lots of options? [50:35]
Deep Questions with Cal Newport 
