Natural Variation in Intensity: A Strategy for Building a Remarkable Life

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Achieving a remarkable life involves natural variation in intensity, as seen in the approach of creatives like movie directors who work intensely on a project and then take complete breaks. This varied intensity allows individuals to tackle hard tasks effectively and then take time off before the next project. This approach, highlighted in the concept of 'Slow Productivity,' is essential as projects become more challenging. The paradox of remarkable lives appearing less busy is due to the unrelated nature of busyness to being remarkably good. Remarkability arises from skill, and busyness acts as an obstacle. Hence, pursuing a remarkable life does not involve adding more tasks to one's plate, as it is crafted through skill and not an abundance of action.

One of the more interesting realities of people who live remarkable lives is that they are often much less busy than the rest of us. In this episode, Cal explores three ideas that help explain why this is true, then explains how we can use these ideas to reduce our own workloads.

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: The Productivity Paradox [7:31]

- How does a weekly plan work? [32:26]
- Do errands or reading count toward fixed schedule productivity? [36:55]
- How should a graduate embrace slow productivity? [40:11]
- If I embrace slow productivity, how can I be sure I’m doing enough? [41:54]
- Did Cal follow Slow Productivity in his 20’s? [47:45]
- CALL: Uprooting a good planning system? [53:23]

CASE STUDY: Playing video games with intention [58:05]

CAL REACTS: How to Have a Productive Year [1:06:34]

Links:
calnewport.com/if-youre-busy-youre-doing-something-wrong-the-surprisingly-relaxed-lives-of-elite-achievers/
newyorker.com/culture/office-space/how-to-have-a-more-productive-year
FREE Download for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.