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Deep Work, Digital Minimalism and Becoming So Good They Can’t Ignore You with Cal Newport

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Jun 29, 2022

Guest

Cal Newport

Cal Newport, a Georgetown University professor and bestselling author known for books like 'Deep Work,' shares his insights on living a 'deep life.' He discusses strategies to boost efficiency by minimizing distractions, pointing out how constant email and messages undermine productivity. Newport emphasizes the concept of 'high-quality leisure' to combat phone overuse and the role of boredom in igniting creativity. He encourages listeners to align career choices with personal lifestyles for fulfillment, highlighting mastery as a key motivator.

01:10:44

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INSIGHT

Defining a Deep Life

A "deep life" involves aligning your daily existence with your true values through radical changes.
This might involve changing your work, location, or how you engage with your community.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Examples of Radical Changes

Paul Jarvis moved to remote Vancouver Island to prioritize a slower, more focused life and work.
Authors like Sebastian Junger and Simon Winchester have dedicated writing spaces away from cities.

insights

INSIGHT

Deep Relationships & Community

The human social brain doesn't fully grasp digital connection and thrives on in-person interaction.
Prioritize real-life interactions requiring time and energy for stronger connections.

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Crafting Your Career Around Lifestyle

13:36 • 9min

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The Journey to Mastery

23:02 • 6min

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Mastering Deep Work in a Distracted World

29:20 • 19min

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The Importance of High-Quality Leisure in Combatting Phone Overuse

47:55 • 5min

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The Art of High-Quality Leisure

53:00 • 8min

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The Role of Boredom in Productivity and Creativity

01:01:26 • 2min

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Establishing Work-Life Boundaries

01:03:36 • 10min

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Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

Company of One

Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business

Paul Jarvis

In 'Company of One,' Paul Jarvis challenges the conventional notion that business growth must always mean scaling up. He argues that staying small can provide more freedom, independence, and a better quality of life. The book offers practical advice on setting up a solo business, determining desired revenues, keeping clients happy, and dealing with crises. Jarvis emphasizes the importance of resilience, autonomy, speed, and simplicity in running a successful 'company of one. ' This approach is particularly appealing to solo entrepreneurs and small business owners who prioritize a balanced and fulfilling life over traditional growth models.

Digital Minimalism

Cal Newport

In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives. He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest. The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction. Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values.

A World Without Email

Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload

Cal Newport

In 'A World Without Email', Cal Newport argues that the constant digital communication, which he terms the 'hyperactive hive mind', has become a productivity disaster. He contends that this workflow, driven by email and other messaging tools, reduces profitability, slows economic growth, and makes workers miserable. Newport proposes a workplace where clear processes, not haphazard messaging, define task management. He advocates for each person working on fewer tasks but doing them better, with significant investment in support to reduce administrative burdens. The book lays out principles and concrete instructions for streamlining important communication and reducing the central role of inboxes and chat channels in the workplace.

Born Standing Up

A Comic's Life

Steve Martin

In 'Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life', Steve Martin provides a detailed and candid account of his journey from his childhood to his rise as a stand-up comedian. The book delves into his early jobs at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, his development as a magician and comedian, and the struggles and successes he faced in his career. Martin also explores his strained relationship with his family, particularly his father, and how he eventually reconnected with them. The memoir highlights the dedication, discipline, and originality that defined his career and explains why he chose to leave stand-up comedy in 1981 to pursue other creative ventures. The book includes photographs and offers a unique insight into the life of one of the most iconic comedians of his time.

So Good They Can't Ignore You

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

Cal Newport

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.

#63: New York Times bestselling author and professor, Cal Newport, joins Chris to discuss building and living what he calls a “deep life.” We also delve into strategies that increase efficiency and quality of output, why constant email and messages are making you less productive (and what to do about it) and how to implement “high-quality leisure” into your life.

Cal Newport is a professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University and the award-winning author of seven books that have been published in over 40 languages, including “Deep Work”, “Digital Minimalism”, and most recently, “A World Without Email.”

Full show notes at: https://www.allthehacks.com/deep-life-cal-newport

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Resources Mentioned

Connect with Cal Newport: Newsletter | Podcast: Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Cal’s Books:

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload

All the Hacks Podcast: The Power of Regret, Motivation and Good Timing with Daniel Pink

Study Hacks Blog: Work Less to Work Better: My Experiments with Shutdown Routines

Resources Mentioned:

Paul Jarvis: Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business
Sebastian Junger
Simon Winchester
Steve Martin: Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
Steve Martin Quote: Charlie Rose Interview with Steve Martin (52:14)
TEDTalk: Why You Should Quit Social Media
Mouse Books

Personalizing Your Productivity:

The Time-Block Planner
David Allen
43 Folders | Time, Attention, and Creative Work

Cal’s Takoma Park Recommendations: Republic | Takoma Bev Co

Full Show Notes:

(1:22) The Meaning of "Deep Life"

(03:05) Radical Categories for a Deep Life

(05:44) The Five Cs and Fostering Deeper Relationships

(9:26) Data Supporting Lifestyle Changes

(12:03) Lifestyle-Centric Planning and Dreams

(15:50) Pursuing Passion in Life

(18:53) Steve Martin's Impact on Cal

(22:05) Hacks and Mindset Shifts

(26:02) "Deep Work" and Cognitive Context

(30:06) Time-Blocking and Avoiding Distractions

(35:26) Slow Productivity and Quality Output

(38:53) Office Hours for Focused Interactions

(44:01) Overcoming Boredom Scrolling

(46:20) Categories of Meaningful Leisure

(51:13) Cal's Digital Minimalism Philosophy

(55:03) Intellectual Activities for Boredom

(57:29) Workday Boundaries and Shutdown Routine

(1:02:35) Balancing Family and Work

(1:05:35) Takoma Park Recommendations

(1:07:18) Cal's Current Focus

Connect with All the Hacks

All the Hacks: Newsletter | Website | Membership | Email

Chris Hutchins: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn

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