Dr. Cal Newport discusses enhancing focus and productivity by avoiding digital distractions, optimizing workspaces, and utilizing tools like whiteboards and notebooks. The episode explores efficient study techniques, neuroplasticity, and strategies for deep work. It also delves into the impacts of smartphones on mental health, navigating burnout, and implementing shutdown rituals for improved productivity.

Explore slow productivity, quality writing, and balancing work-life by embracing a deeper life philosophy. Uncover the evolution of podcasting, writing identity, and strategies for optimizing productivity. Delve into the value of deliberate practice, drawing inspiration from successful individuals who prioritize excellence in their craft.

If you were to imagine the lifestyle you want and reverse engineer your career from that start point, what would your life look like? How much control do you have over your schedule? What’s your work life balance? What are you known for? This week I sat down for a conversation with one of the most highly requested guests yet, Cal Newport. Cal is a computer science professor at Georgetown University and New York Times bestselling author of seven books including Digital Minimalism and Deep Work where he writes about the intersection of digital technology and culture. In the episode we discuss how to design a career that’s fulfilling to you, the creator business model and how to take control of your productivity in a world where you’re confronted by forces trying to throw you off track. Enjoy!Sponsored by Huel - go to https://www.huel.com/deepdive and with your first order you’ll get a free t-shirt and shaker.Sponsored by Trading 212 - download the Trading 212 app https://trading212.com/promocodes/ALI and use the promo code "ALI" after signing up and depositing to receive a random free share worth up to £100. This is not financial advice. Investments can fall and rise. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Other fees may apply*. Capital is at risk.Sponsored by WeWork - visit https://www.we.co/ali and use the code ‘ALI’  at checkout to redeem 50% off your first booking. 📚Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity!Amazon Website(00:00) Intro (02:01) How do you approach the word productivity? (05:24) What does a week in your life look like? (13:43) Creator businesses vs academia (27:17) The social status and complexities of careers(33:43) The creatorpreneur lifestyle (43:05) How to design your lifestyle and career(47:18) Book writing (55:59) Contrarian writing (01:07:27) Do you get criticism about Deep Work?(01:11:59) What's your take on toxic productivity? (01:17:09) Personal productivity in corporate jobs doesn't work (01:21:58) What is slow productivity?(01:37:12) What's your note taking method?Creators & Guests Amber Baxter-Clarke - Producer Ali Abdaal - Host 🔗 CONNECT WITH CAL 🎥 YouTube Channel 💻 Website 🐦 Twitter🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI📚 Download my FREE 100 Books To Live Your Best Life Reading List🎥 YouTube Channel💻 Website📸  Instagram🐦  Twitter👥 LinkedinFind the show notes and the transcript on the website: https://aliabdaal.com/podcast/Leave a reviewIf you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - even one line helps! You can also Tweet @AliAbdaal with any feedback, thoughts from the lessons you've learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏Want to start your own podcast? We use Transistor! https://go.aliabdaal.com/transistorCheck out the episode on the Deep Dive YouTube Channel.See privacy policy at https://transistor.fm/privacy

Cal Newport, computer science professor, discusses the power of saying no, the drawbacks of pseudo-productivity, benefits of slow productivity, and strategies for better communication and organizing. The podcast explores the evolution of productivity practices, finding the right work pace, creating rituals for better productivity, and navigating growth and organization.

Cal Newport, an expert in productivity, discusses slow productivity and deep work with Ali Abdaal. They delve into managing multiple projects, balancing work and life, and the challenges of following your passion. The conversation also covers the evolution of creative processes, redefining productivity, and insights into the art of writing.

Cal Newport, an influential author and speaker known for his insights on productivity, explores the exhaustion that many knowledge workers face. He dives into the differences between mere tiredness and deeper cognitive fatigue, emphasizing the dangers of multitasking. Strategies such as single-tasking, improving evening routines, and mindful use of technology contribute to enhancing productivity and well-being. Newport also discusses the value of 'slow productivity' in fostering creativity and long-term success.

Cal interviews Noah Kagan about entrepreneurship and his book 'Million Dollar Weekend'. They discuss reimagining success, embracing entrepreneurship, traits of entrepreneurs, and finding financial independence. The podcast delves into designing a dream life, starting actions for future success, and the power of positive self-talk for personal growth and happiness.

Cal Newport discusses slow productivity, minimizing burnout by focusing on quality work, setting boundaries, and avoiding constant activity. He explores effective communication, time management, and the value of deep work in achieving sustainable productivity.

Brought to you by Magic Spoon delicious low-carb cereal, Eight Sleep’s Pod Pro Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. Cal Newport (calnewport.com) is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University who previously earned his PhD from MIT. His scholarship focuses on the theory of distributed systems, while his general-audience writing explores intersections of culture and technology.Cal is the author of seven books, including, most recently, Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, and A World Without Email. He is also a contributing writer for The New Yorker and the host of the Deep Questions podcast.Please enjoy!This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon cereal! Magic Spoon is a low-carb, high-protein, and zero sugar cereal that tastes just like your favorite sugary cereal. Each serving has 13–14g of protein, 4g of net carbs, and 0g of sugar. It’s also gluten free, grain free, soy free, and keto friendly. And it’s delicious! It comes in your favorite, traditional cereal flavors like Cocoa, Frosted, Peanut Butter, and Blueberry.Magic Spoon cereal has received a lot of attention since their launch. Time magazine included it in their list of Best Inventions of 2019, and Forbes called it “the future of cereal.” My listeners—that’s you—get $5 off and a 100% happiness guarantee when you visit MagicSpoon.com/Tim and use code TIM. And some great news for Canadian listeners: Magic Spoon now also ships to Canada!*This episode is also brought to you by Eight Sleep! Eight Sleep’s Pod Pro Cover is the easiest and fastest way to sleep at the perfect temperature. It pairs dynamic cooling and heating with biometric tracking to offer the most advanced (and user-friendly) solution on the market. Simply add the Pod Pro Cover to your current mattress and start sleeping as cool as 55°F or as hot as 110°F. It also splits your bed in half, so your partner can choose a totally different temperature.And now, my dear listeners—that’s you—can get $250 off the Pod Pro Cover. Simply go to EightSleep.com/Tim or use code TIM at checkout. *This episode is also brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1 by Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.*The one lesson from comedian, actor, author, and mean banjoist Steve Martin that hit Cal “like a lightning bolt.” [05:40]What does it mean to be living “the deep life?” [08:17]The story of Cal’s Study Hacks blog, why he needed to write his first three books, the unique way he went about securing his first book deal as an unproven 20-year-old, and how he signed with the agent who’s been with him for the past 20 years. [11:20]What was Cal’s focus in high school and college? [24:03]How did Cal consciously set out to sharpen his writing skills in college, and what part have humor and mathematics played in their evolution? [26:14]What advice does Cal have for someone who wants to hone their funny bone for humor writing? [31:14]Fresh thoughts on slow productivity. [40:47]There’s no way to know if someone like Isaac Newton would have achieved greatness had he lived in the present day — when slow productivity isn’t the social default. But are there any contemporary examples of people who have mastered slow productivity in spite of 21st-century distractions? [46:36]These days, Cal is well-known for eschewing the temptations of social media. But why did he initially refuse to sign up for Facebook when it was the shiny new thing everyone was talking about? [53:11]Documents and disciplines Cal and I find instrumental in crafting the lives we desire. [58:41]How Cal integrates seasonality into his routine for ample periods of downtime, where he roams to recharge and reset, and his pen of choice for taking notes both literary and mathematical. [1:06:11]Why Cal and I are big fans of Scrivener software for writing. [1:13:37]How Cal uses Trello to organize tasks under the different hats he wears throughout the day. [1:17:17]Books in the “anti-productivity” category Cal thinks might be worth your while. [1:21:34]Who was John Newport? [1:28:18]Who Paul Tillich was, an explanation of the confusing term “Christian apologist,” and understanding why Cal describes himself as a concentration apologist. [1:30:53]How does Cal focus on contemplation and matters of the soul? Why does he believe someone who’s quick to dismiss a philosophy or religion without trying to understand its most basic foundation does themselves a disservice? What are his thoughts on the takes Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson have on moral frameworks, and what need is satisfied by such contemplations? [1:33:06]Considering the spiritual as an exercise of meticulous craft and creation, and understanding that some materials serve the purpose better than others. [1:41:09]With so many options from which to choose, how might someone who has had either bad experiences with religion, no experience with religion, or no interest in religion explore spirituality? Are we programmed to seek out religion? [1:45:44]Can you make it through Cal’s 30-day digital minimalism declutter? Here’s how to set the rules that are right for you and give it a whirl. [1:54:13]What shutdown ritual does Cal use at the end of his workday? [2:03:06]Parting thoughts. [2:05:07]*For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Balaji Srinivasan, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Michio Kaku, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So, we've reached the end of another eventful season! In this episode, I look back at 7 of the key lessons I’ve learned from this season including from conversations with Cal Newport, Sophie Medlin, Cliff Weitzman, Drs John and Julie Gottman, Mathew Dicks, Carrie Rose and Dr Aria. I also want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast so far, it really means a lot. If you'd like to keep in touch during the off-season, be sure to join our telegram community (here) where you'll get a behind the scene's look at what me and the team are up to preparing for next season 🚀 But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the episode :) (00:00) Intro (02:41) Sophie Medlin: How To Improve Your Brain Health(11:54) Cliff Wietzman: How To Learn Anything Faster(19:41) The Gottman’s: How To Improve Your Relationships(30:54) Matthew Dicks: How To Reach Your Goals(41:51) Carrie Rose: How To Be An A-Player At Work(46:42) Dr Aria: How To Be Confident In Yourself (57:51) Cal Newport: How To Design A Lifestyle You WantFull Episodes ⬇️S5 E8 Sophie Medlin - https://youtu.be/5zSHaSAcHPoS5 E5 Cliff Wietzman - https://youtu.be/yfALZJcurZwS5 E4 John & Julie Gottman - https://youtu.be/XkxEmuTQ2VYS5 E13 Matthew Dicks - https://youtu.be/-g9fZBsABSMS5 E10 Carrie Rose - https://youtu.be/ljRkACmxzOgS5 E11 Dr Aria - https://youtu.be/yFGLd5SebFES5 E1 Cal Newport - https://youtu.be/uB8fCHGh_isSponsored by Huel - go to https://www.huel.com/deepdive and with your first order you’ll get a free t-shirt and shaker.Sponsored by Trading 212 - download the Trading 212 app https://trading212.com/promocodes/ALI and use the promo code "ALI" after signing up and depositing to receive a random free share worth up to £100. This is not financial advice. Investments can fall and rise. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Other fees may apply*. Capital is at risk.Sponsored by WeWork - visit https://www.we.co/ali and use the code ‘ALI’ at checkout to redeem 50% off your first booking.📚Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity!Amazon Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI📲 Join My Telegram Community - https://t.me/+bH5gLHty5kBiOGZk🎥 YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/aliabdaal🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/aliabdaal📸 Instagram - https://instagram.com/aliabdaal💻 Website - https://aliabdaal.com👥 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-abdaal/📄 SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPTVisit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://aliabdaal.com/podcast/🎙 ABOUT THE PODCASTDeep Dive is the podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Want to start your own podcast? We use Transistor! https://go.aliabdaal.com/transistorIf you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - even one line helps! You can also Tweet @AliAbdaal with any feedback, thoughts from the lessons you've learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏Check out the episode on the Deep Dive YouTube Channel.See privacy policy at https://transistor.fm/privacy