Discipline is about self-imposed dedication and autonomy, not coercion or rigid patterns.
Cultivate discipline by developing a clear vision and aligning your actions with your values.
Deep dives
Transitioning careers: Private sector vs Public sector
Transitioning from the private sector to the public sector can provide valuable experience and a heavier case load. Consider your long-term vision and how each option aligns with your goals. Carefully weigh the benefits of gaining mastery in the public sector against the potential limitations and demands of a law career.
Defining discipline
Discipline involves taking intentional action to make progress towards something important to you, even when you don't feel like it in the moment. It is about self-imposed dedication and autonomy, not coercion or rigid patterns. Discipline is a means to achieve freedom and autonomy.
Cultivating discipline
To cultivate discipline, start by developing a clear and compelling vision of what you want your life to be like. Understand your goals, values, and the areas you want to focus on. Discipline is driven by purpose and aligning your actions with what you deeply value.
The diverse paths of the deep life
The deep life is not limited to specific activities like deep work or ultra-learning. Embrace a broader definition and focus on intentionally living a life that serves your areas of concentration, be it craft, connection, learning, family, or leisure. Craft a meaningful life that aligns with your unique passions and values.
Because I'm away on vacation these week, I'm replaying a classic show from the Deep Questions archives. This is Episode 125, which originally ran back in August.
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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: How Reachable Should We Be? [1:45]
DEEP WORK QUESTIONS
- What should I do if I finish a time block early? [8:28] - How do I work deeply at home with a crying newborn? [12:54] - How I work deeply while taking care of a child full time? [17:50] - How do I manage a shared mailbox with my team? [23:11]
DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
- What is discipline (and how do I get it)? [32:18] - Should I take a harder job to get better faster? [40:04] - What about people who don't want to do deep work? [43:49]
Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
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