

Ep. 178: CALLS: On Doing Hard Things
This discussion dives into the challenges of planning and how to tackle anxiety around it. Listeners hear about the importance of setting achievable goals, inspired by insights from fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. Personal experiences shape perspectives on technology and professional growth, highlighting lessons learned from family. Strategies like time blocking are explored to enhance productivity. The conversation also touches on navigating anxiety while pursuing a fulfilling life and embracing challenges, promoting a balanced and intentional approach to living.
01:10:46
Better Goal Setting
- Focus on goals within your control, like writing a specific number of manuscripts.
- Make each manuscript more ambitious than the last to push your skills.
Finding Your Work Rhythm
- Discover your personal work style; there's no single right way.
- Experiment with different methods, like word count tracking, writer's groups, or deadlines.
Tricking Your Brain into Deep Work
- Use scheduling, philosophies, and rituals to overcome resistance to deep work.
- Establish set times and create dedicated spaces to associate with focused effort.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Navigating Challenges and Literature
01:29 • 20min
From Middle-Earth to Mindfulness
21:21 • 12min
Navigating Planning Anxiety with Structured Approaches
33:31 • 2min
Mastering Time Blocking for Enhanced Productivity
35:59 • 5min
Influence of Familial Values on Professional Life
40:35 • 9min
Mastering Study Habits and Time Management
49:25 • 8min
Crafting Identity and Managing Anxiety in Pursuit of a Deep Life
56:58 • 3min
Navigating Anxiety and Embracing Authenticity in Life
59:40 • 2min
Navigating Anxiety: Acceptance vs. Cognitive Therapy
01:01:52 • 6min
Embracing Life's Challenges: Living Deeply Despite Difficulties
01:07:35 • 3min

#23226
The Earthsea Chronicles
A Collection of Works by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin
The Earthsea Chronicles, written by Ursula K. Le Guin, include novels such as 'A Wizard of Earthsea', 'The Tombs of Atuan', 'The Farthest Shore', 'Tehanu', 'Tales from Earthsea', and 'The Other Wind'.
These works are set in a vast archipelago where magic is a central part of life, and they follow characters like Ged as they navigate the complexities of power and identity.
The series is renowned for its exploration of balance, morality, and the evolution of magic and societal roles.

#523
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
Feeling Good
The New Mood Therapy

David D. Burns MD
This book, written by Dr. David D. Burns, outlines scientifically proven techniques based on CBT to help readers overcome negative thoughts and develop a positive outlook on life.
It addresses common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt, and low self-esteem by identifying and correcting cognitive distortions.
The book provides practical advice on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns, handling criticism, building self-esteem, and improving overall mental well-being.

#14
• Mentioned in 262 episodes
The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

#6
• Mentioned in 357 episodes
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.

#2
• Mentioned in 796 episodes
Atomic Habits


James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones.
The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results.
Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation.
The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

#847
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
The Hunger Games


Suzanne Collins
Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim.
Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena.
The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion.
As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

#1030
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
The happiness trap


Russ Harris
In 'The Happiness Trap', Dr. Russ Harris presents the insights and techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help readers escape the epidemic of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The book focuses on accepting unhelpful thoughts rather than trying to control them, and it emphasizes the importance of clarifying values and developing mindfulness.
It provides practical tools for reducing stress and worry, handling painful thoughts and feelings, breaking self-defeating habits, overcoming insecurity and self-doubt, and building better relationships and a fulfilling life.

#937
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is a heroic fantasy novel that tells the life story of Kvothe, an infamous adventurer and musician.
The story is presented in a 'story-within-a-story' format, where Kvothe recounts his life to a scribe named Chronicler.
The narrative spans from Kvothe's childhood in a troupe of traveling performers to his years as a student at a prestigious school of magic, and through various trials and hardships.
The book is renowned for its vivid world-building, rich dialogue, and the emotional depth of its characters.

#20
• Mentioned in 226 episodes
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.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast
Video from today’s episode: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj
DEEP DIVE: On Doing Hard Things [4:42]
LISTENER CALLS:
- People who are bad at planning [31:56]
- What did Cal learn from his mom the computer programmer [40:42]
- Students working on weekends [45:49]
- Living a deep life with anxiety (warning: lecture alert) [56:52]
Thanks to our Sponsors:
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.