Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 93: Am I Overcommitted or Bad at Time Management?

May 3, 2021

A listener shares their transformative experience of spending a year without a smartphone, unveiling the benefits of digital minimalism. The conversation dives into the evolution of personal productivity, examining its historical roots and how it affects modern knowledge work. Strategies for balancing deep work with collaboration are discussed, emphasizing the importance of high-quality content creation. Additionally, the challenges and joys of fostering social connections in the workplace post-pandemic are explored, highlighting the value of intentional living.

01:05:31

Creator website

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Productivity Tips: Creating a Reasonable Plan and Managing Time Efficiently

00:50

Top Three Productivity Recommendations for Living the Deep Life

00:36

The Art of Creative Nonfiction: How to Succeed in the Creative Field

01:10

Focusing on processes and alternative implementation for a new job

00:36

Intro

5min

Transformative Year Without a Smartphone: Reflections on Digital Minimalism

12min

The Evolution of Personal Productivity and Knowledge Work

15min

Balancing Deep Work and Collaboration

10min

Prioritizing Social Connections in the Workplace

7min

Embracing the Deep Life

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: What happens if you stop using your phone for a year? [3:55]

WORKING DEEPLY:

- How do I avoid the hyperactive hive mind in a new job? [11:36]
- How can the author of A WORLD WITHOUT EMAIL have an email list? [14:02]
- When did personal productivity become a thing? [16:25]
- Am I overcommitted or bad at time management? [25:47]
- How do I decide on roles for my task boards? [29:23]
- How can I become established as a content creator? (Or, the perils of "checklist productivity") [33:16]
- Recreating the water color in a world without email? [38:44]

LIVING DEEPLY:

- What are some good biographies for deep life inspiration? [46:38]
- What are my top 3 recommendations for someone looking to live deeper? [49:12]
- Can a commute be contemplative? [54:50]
- Where do I (Cal) write about "the deep life" in my books? [58:51]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

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