We’re tired, burnt out, and searching for a reprieve from hustle culture. Something needs to change if we’re going to get to real productivity: doing that is meaningful and fulfilling rather than just checking boxes off an endless to-do list. On today’s episode, Cal Newport joins the podcast to explore slow productivity, deep work, and how we can achieve more by doing less.About our Guest: Cal is a computer science professor at Georgetown University and the bestselling author of eight books including Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World and most recently, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. He also has a YouTube channel and hosts the podcast Deep Questions with Cal Newport. You can watch this episode on YouTube.I am now writing on Substack, check out my work there. Key Topics:0:00: Introduction2:45: Slow productivity vs. pseudoproductivity10:35: Anxiety, procrastination, and overwhelm17:40: Meaningful work and anti-productivity22:40: Technology, anti-capitalist philosophy, and knowledge work28:55: The cognitive drain of multitasking32:45: The distraction of phones social media36:00: The ratio of deep work to lighter work41:00: How timeblocking actually reduces stress45:20: Office hours and shared documents48:05: Common misconceptions about Cal’s work55:45: Tailoring advice to your individual situation1:00:40: Life transitions, and the deceptive advice to “follow your passion”1:08:00: Obsessing over quality while avoiding perfectionism1:17:30: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.SponsorsSign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell. Transform your health with the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEINGWELL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month!Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The speakers tackle the journey of reconnecting with oneself after a codependent relationship. They dissect the fine line between healthy and unhealthy desires, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. Navigating friendships with past romantic feelings is explored, along with overcoming self-consciousness in social settings. Techniques to communicate during stress and emotional challenges are discussed, promoting authenticity and vulnerability as catalysts for personal growth and deeper connections.

Dive into the fascinating world of the inner child, a part of us that holds both creativity and unresolved emotions. Explore how childhood experiences shape adult behaviors and relationships. Discover techniques like voice dialogue and reparenting to heal old wounds. Learn the importance of nurturing self-compassion and addressing unmet needs. Gain insights into balancing playful desires with adult realities. This engaging discussion is packed with practical strategies for fostering emotional growth and deeper self-awareness.

In this engaging discussion, psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher, also known as Anxiety Josh, delves into the complexities of anxiety management. He explores the anxiety cycle and the importance of willfully embracing uncertainty. Key insights include the transformative power of exposure therapy and confronting self-criticism. Fletcher also highlights the diverse inner voices we experience and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. With a mix of personal stories and actionable strategies, this conversation offers a valuable toolkit for navigating anxiety.

Dr. Chris Germer, a clinical psychologist and Harvard lecturer, joins Forrest to unpack the concept of self-compassion. They explore why many resist it, revealing the tight grip of shame and self-criticism. Dr. Germer explains the delicate balance of tender and fierce self-compassion while addressing its paradoxes. The duo also tackles how the model of safety, challenge, and overwhelm can guide us in reducing burnout. They emphasize that nurturing self-kindness can transform our internal dialogue and help us embrace our emotions.

Social anxiety isn't just shyness; it has deep roots in attachment styles and early experiences. The discussion highlights evidence-based strategies like exposure therapy and cognitive defusion to tackle anxiety. Listeners learn how to differentiate social anxiety from mere nervousness and are encouraged to practice self-compassion. Personal stories illustrate the journey from fear to resilience, emphasizing that embracing anxiety as a common experience can foster connection and healing.

Charles Daniels, CEO of Fathers' Uplift, shares insights on empowering fathers through community support and mentorship, highlighting transformative personal stories. Clinical social worker Gina Connor discusses the vital role of peer and family therapy in recovery from eating disorders, emphasizing group therapy and community connection. They explore the importance of self-care and inclusivity in healing, showcasing how supportive environments foster recovery and resilience in mental health challenges.

Explore the intriguing world of the Dark Triad—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sociopathy. Discover how these traits can surface in everyday relationships, often cloaked in charm. Learn practical strategies to recognize and set boundaries with toxic individuals. The discussion delves into the role of privilege in shaping empathy and the ethical dilemmas of labeling behaviors. Gain insights on self-care and how to navigate unavoidable interactions. It’s an essential guide for anyone dealing with challenging dynamics in personal relationships.

Julie Menanno, a marriage and family therapist specializing in secure attachment, joins to discuss critical aspects of healthy relationships. She explains different attachment styles and their roles in cultivating emotional safety. The conversation highlights practical strategies for addressing anxious-avoidant dynamics and the importance of emotional validation. Julie offers insights on navigating conflict effectively, emphasizing that securely attached couples can teach us valuable lessons about repair and connection. It's a must-listen for anyone wanting to strengthen their relationships!

Dr. Rick, an anxiety management expert, and Forrest, a self-improvement enthusiast, tackle listener questions about social anxiety and self-advocacy. They discuss the potential pitfalls of excessive self-help and the quest for validation. Rick shares strategies for cultivating self-acceptance while Forrest reflects on finding balance in personal growth. They also explore collaborative decision-making in relationships and the fine line between self-awareness and self-consciousness, sharing valuable insights for improving emotional intelligence and communication.