Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 65: Is Productivity Bad?

Jan 25, 2021

Is productivity a blessing or a curse? The discussion examines the changing views on productivity since 2020, encouraging quality over quantity. Listeners learn how to extract valuable career advice from successful individuals and tackle GRE preparation effectively. High schoolers get tips on balanced time management to fend off burnout. The conversation also dives into the role of psychedelics in personal growth and the impact of AI tools on writing styles, advocating for control over content in today’s digital landscape.

01:18:25

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Reevaluating Productivity: Balancing Efficiency and Well-Being

15min

Insights from Industry Leaders

10min

Navigating the Balance Between Deep and Shallow Work

2min

Effective Time Management for High School Students

5min

Maximizing Career Potential Post-Graduation

16min

The Evolution of Writing and Content Control

9min

Embracing Outdoor Workspaces

17min

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: Is productivity good or bad? [4:28]

WORK QUESTIONS

- How do you extract good career advice from successful people? [19:16]
- How do I improve my GRE score? [27:38]
- Is there a category of work between deep and shallow? [29:53]
- Should high school students time block? [31:53]
- How should I search for my first job during the pandemic? [37:33]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

- Can psychedelics play a role in the deep life? [45:19]
- What are my favorite single-use technologies? [49:22]
- Are AI-based writing suggestions a problem? [52:20]
- What social internet technologies deserve a resurgence? [57:34]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- How can I work deeply in a small apartment? [1:01:58]
- How do I help people who hate self help? [1:08:18]
- How can I encourage my friends to be deeper? [1:12:18]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.