Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 18: Habit Tune-Up: Outsourcing Chores, Mitigating Unavoidable Distractions, and Productivity Beyond Basic Lists
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Aug 13, 2020 In this engaging discussion, listeners explore the benefits of outsourcing household tasks to enhance productivity. Strategies for mitigating distractions are shared, along with insights into utilizing advanced flashcard software for effective learning. The conversation also delves into tips for aspiring professors and emphasizes the importance of moving beyond basic to-do lists. With actionable advice, this episode tackles the delicate balance between work and personal life, ensuring you're equipped to tackle productivity challenges head-on.
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Outsourcing Household Tasks
- Aggressively outsource household tasks to free up time and mental space, especially with demanding jobs and families.
- Consider outsourcing tasks like house cleaning, landscaping, and handyman services, as Cal Newport and his wife do.
Mitigating Unavoidable Distractions
- Augment your working memory with a stable external system like a plain text file or notebook to manage unavoidable interruptions.
- Capture ongoing tasks, ideas, and reminders, making it easier to switch contexts and minimize the risk of forgetting.
Effective Study Techniques
- Use flashcards for memorizing terms, dates, or titles, focusing on items you haven't mastered yet.
- For conceptual topics, create focused question clusters, quiz yourself, and prioritize active recall over passive reading.
