Ep. 273: A Deep Response to Distraction
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
The Importance of Concentration and Stretching Your Comfort Zone
Concentrating intensely on improving his guitar picking speed, he would forget to breathe, almost passing out. This extreme focus is what leads to improvement. The same principle applies to learning new skills. You have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone to reach a higher level of competence. This is not the same as being in a flow state, where time seems to disappear and you lose yourself in the activity. Deliberate practice is not always pleasurable, but it is necessary for growth.
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