Deep Questions with Cal Newport cover image

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 257: Refusing Overwork

Jul 17, 2023
This episode explores the concept of fixed-schedule productivity and how it can effectively contain your workload. It discusses strategies for maintaining reasonable work hours, improving communication through office hours, and saying no to additional tasks. The speaker also recommends books on various topics and analyzes a thrilling fictional story about people trapped at the bottom of the ocean.
01:13:08

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Quick takeaways

  • Implementing fixed schedule productivity strategies can revolutionize performance by properly allocating time for tasks and reducing stress.
  • Non-work activities can be included in a fixed schedule as long as they don't disrupt productivity, allowing for a balanced work routine.

Deep dives

Implementing FSP Strategies for Better Performance

A department chair in a large humanities department has revolutionized their performance by implementing fixed schedule productivity (FSP) strategies. They have filled their calendar with autopilot appointments, which are regular work tasks that are scheduled in advance. This allows them to properly allocate time for those tasks and avoid overloading their schedule. Additionally, they have established daily office hours for synchronous interactions, which reduces the need for ad hoc messaging and greatly streamlines communication. As a result, they feel less stressed, leave the office at 4 p.m. most days, and have improved their overall performance.

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