Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 108: LISTENER CALLS: Becoming Productive

Jun 24, 2021

Listeners dive into the challenges of returning to the office and the chaos of informal interactions. The discussion covers productivity strategies, emphasizing a structured approach to organizing and executing tasks. Time tracking apps are evaluated for their efficiency, while time blocking techniques receive a detailed examination. The conversation also addresses the pitfalls of overworking on problems and importance of balancing deep work rituals for maximum focus.

44:46

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Highlights

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Episode notes

Tips for Successfully Implementing Time Blocking

01:38

Capture everything you're committed to in a trusted system, regularly review…

01:38

Intro

13min

Navigating the Productivity Funnel: A Structured Approach to Organization and Execution

15min

Strategies for Managing Ongoing Professional Tasks

4min

Navigating Weekly Planning and Productivity Rituals

4min

Mastering Time Blocking and Overcoming Fixation

9min

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- The hyperactive hive mind and the return to the office. [2:57]
- Becoming productive. [12:23]
- Time tracking apps. [24:51]
- Scheduling continuous projects. [27:19]
- Struggling with time blocking. [36:51]
- Working on problems past when it's useful. [41:47]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.