Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 213: The Art Of Saying No

286 snips
Sep 12, 2022
Explore the essential art of saying no, examining its psychological impact and strategies for setting boundaries in our busy lives. Discover how to conquer anxiety tied to structured schedules and find the balance between commitment and spontaneity. The discussion also delves into prioritizing personal development with a framework of deep life buckets. Learn about career planning and the shift towards human-centric work processes, emphasizing flexibility and reflection to align your professional journey with personal values.
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INSIGHT

Brain Mismatch with Planning

  • There's a mismatch between our brains and the complex planning needed for modern knowledge work.
  • Our brains resist structured planning because they don't grasp its long-term benefits, leading to resistance and procrastination.
ADVICE

The Art of No

  • Be intentional about saying no, rather than defaulting to yes.
  • Haphazardly saying no leads to persistent stress and decreased productivity.
ADVICE

Tracking Yes/No Decisions

  • Track your "yes" and "no" decisions to better understand your workload.
  • This practice reveals how much you've committed to and promotes mindful choices.
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