Ep. 326: Time to Unplug

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Nov 11, 2024

The podcast dives into the mental health toll of digital overload during election seasons and advocates for a break from social media. It explores the concept of 'Humanist Productivity,' emphasizing well-being over output. Listeners get practical tips for organizing life and enhancing focus, especially in a tech-driven world. A discussion on Martha Stewart's approach to productivity contrasts aesthetic appeal with authentic effectiveness. The importance of embracing risk for growth and the benefits of unplugging are also highlighted.

01:32:36

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INSIGHT

Technology's Impact During Elections

The period leading up to elections amplifies technology's negative impacts.
This includes interruptions and heightened emotional salience of online content.

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ADVICE

Information Organization

Organize information using a digital and physical filing cabinet.
Don't consider something stored until it's in one of these locations.

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ADVICE

Alternative to Side Hustles

If bound by a non-compete, seek job offers in your desired field.
Use offers as a neutral indicator of your skills' market value.

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Navigating Digital Overload Amidst Election Chaos

01:42 • 28min

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Navigating News and Podcast Commentary

30:09 • 2min

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Optimizing Writing and Organization

32:09 • 11min

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Understanding Humanist Productivity

42:55 • 14min

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Mastering Focus in a Digital Age

56:31 • 6min

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Maximizing Productivity through Sprints

01:02:14 • 10min

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Embracing Risk and Effective Communication

01:12:02 • 10min

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Martha Stewart: Balancing Aesthetic and Authenticity

01:21:37 • 9min

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Exploring Lifestyle-Centric Planning and Deep Living

01:30:20 • 2min

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Listen, Liberal

Or, What Ever Happened to the Party of the People?

Thomas Frank

In 'Listen, Liberal', Thomas Frank argues that the Democratic Party has abandoned its historic commitment to the working and middle classes, instead aligning itself with the interests of the professional class. Frank contends that this shift has led to increased economic inequality, as policies favoring Wall Street and corporate interests have become more prevalent. He criticizes Democratic presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama for their adherence to free-market policies and their reliance on advice from Ivy League-educated elites. The book also discusses the 2016 presidential election and how the Democratic Party's failure to address economic inequality contributed to the rise of populist candidates like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders.

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.

Eruption

James Patterson

Michael Crichton

This epic thriller, a collaboration between Michael Crichton and James Patterson, revolves around a catastrophic volcanic eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii. The story, initiated by Crichton before his death in 2008, was completed by Patterson. It combines Crichton's deep scientific research with Patterson's breakneck suspense, tackling themes of love, loss, and the terrifying secrets held by the US military. The novel is a cinematic tale rooted in science, making it a thrilling and unforgettable read.

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.

Tribal

How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together

Michael Morris

In 'Tribal,' Michael Morris argues that our psychology is wired by evolution in three distinctive ways: the peer instinct to conform, the hero instinct to give to the group, and the ancestor instinct to follow prior generations. These tribal instincts enable us to share knowledge, work as a team, and transmit cultural knowledge. Morris uses deep research, current and historical events, and stories from business and politics to show how these instincts can elevate performance, heal rifts, and drive cultural change. The book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a hopeful vision for collective change.

During the election season our devices take a particularly hard tole on our health and happiness. Now that the votes have been cast and counted, Cal proposes it’s time to take a temporary but radical break from the exhausting digital chatter. He then answers questions from his listeners and discusses Martha Stewart and the problems of “aesthetic productivity.”

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Time to Unplug [2:49]

- How do I organize all the information in my life? [39:04]

- How can I do a side hustle if it’s against company policy? [42:23]

- What is “Humanist Productivity”? [48:46]

- Should I use a flip phone in college? [57:05]

- How can I work at a natural place in a software company? [1:01:27]

- CALL: Oliver Burkeman and imperfectionism [1:08:32]

CASE STUDY: Managing with slow productivity [1:13:16]

CAL REACTS: Martha Stewart’s Productivity Tips [1:21:36]

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