In this book, Cal Newport draws on the habits and mindsets of historical figures like Galileo, Isaac Newton, Jane Austen, and Georgia O’Keefe to propose a new approach to productivity. He argues against the modern culture of 'pseudo-productivity,' where busyness is mistaken for actual productivity. Instead, Newport advocates for 'slow productivity,' which involves doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. The book combines cultural criticism with practical advice to help readers transform their work habits and achieve more sustainable and meaningful accomplishments.
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.
In 'Good Work,' Paul Millerd shares his personal journey through candid storytelling, exploring what constitutes 'good work' beyond traditional job definitions. The book delves into questions about embracing uncertainty, finding motivation beyond 'losing your edge,' prioritizing family without sacrificing opportunity, and defining the most ambitious life path. It challenges readers to rethink their relationship with work and seek a life where work is a portal to feeling fully alive, rather than just a necessity.
In last week’s episode, Cal discussed data that indicate that the rise of the smartphones is making humans measurably dumber. Here he discusses aggressive strategies for resisting this reality. He then answers listener questions and ends with a tech corner.
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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 Smarter in a Dumb World [3:47]
- With remote work dwindling, should I change careers to achieve my ideal lifestyle? [31:14]
- Should a 24-year-old ditch his college degree to pursue another field? [36:25]
- How should merit be rewarded in a revenue-constrained environment? [40:40]
- How can one find and engage with these more niche online communities? [44:34]
- How can partners support each other in building a deep life? [46:48]
CASE STUDY: Using lifestyle planning to turn down a promotion [48:53]
TECH CORNER: How do AI’s “reason”? [57:53]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
Thanks to our Sponsors:
zocdoc.com/deep
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udacity.com/deep [Use code DEEP]
notion.com/cal
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Deep Questions with Cal Newport 
