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Deep Questions with Cal Newport cover image

Ep. 319: Reclaim Your Time

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

NOTE

Choose Wisely: Mastering the Art of Saying No

Every commitment made contributes to an overhead tax that can become overwhelming. It is crucial to recognize the need to say no more often to maintain productivity and prevent burnout. Many individuals overestimate the consequences of saying no, often imagining disastrous scenarios that are far from reality. In truth, most requests are quickly forgotten by the requester, allowing for a decreased burden on time and resources. Establishing quotas for specific tasks aids in managing commitments without overextending oneself. For instance, limiting participation in activities such as speaking engagements or reviews helps maintain a manageable workload. Additionally, differentiating between active and waiting projects allows for focused attention on a limited number of tasks while placing others on hold without incurring excessive overhead. This method enables individuals to control their workload and minimize distractions from pending projects. When faced with administrative demands regarding pending tasks, individuals can redirect inquiries by sharing a clear organization of their active and waiting projects, thereby reinforcing the importance of focusing on current priorities without additional pressure.

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