Deep Work, Digital Minimalism and Becoming So Good They Can’t Ignore You with Cal Newport

#63: New York Times bestselling author and professor, Cal Newport, joins Chris to discuss building and living what he calls a “deep life.” We also delve into strategies that increase efficiency and quality of output, why constant email and messages are making you less productive (and what to do about it) and how to implement “high-quality leisure” into your life.

Cal Newport is a professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University and the award-winning author of seven books that have been published in over 40 languages, including “Deep Work”, “Digital Minimalism”, and most recently, “A World Without Email.”

Full show notes at: https://www.allthehacks.com/deep-life-cal-newport

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Resources Mentioned

Connect with Cal Newport: Newsletter | Podcast: Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Cal’s Books:

• Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World
• So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
• Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
• A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload

All the Hacks Podcast: The Power of Regret, Motivation and Good Timing with Daniel Pink

Study Hacks Blog: Work Less to Work Better: My Experiments with Shutdown Routines

Resources Mentioned:

• Paul Jarvis: Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business
• Sebastian Junger
• Simon Winchester
• Steve Martin: Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
• Steve Martin Quote: Charlie Rose Interview with Steve Martin (52:14)
• TEDTalk: Why You Should Quit Social Media
• Mouse Books

Personalizing Your Productivity:

• The Time-Block Planner
• David Allen
• 43 Folders | Time, Attention, and Creative Work

Cal’s Takoma Park Recommendations: Republic | Takoma Bev Co

Full Show Notes:

(1:22) The Meaning of "Deep Life"

(03:05) Radical Categories for a Deep Life

(05:44) The Five Cs and Fostering Deeper Relationships

(9:26) Data Supporting Lifestyle Changes

(12:03) Lifestyle-Centric Planning and Dreams

(15:50) Pursuing Passion in Life

(18:53) Steve Martin's Impact on Cal

(22:05) Hacks and Mindset Shifts

(26:02) "Deep Work" and Cognitive Context

(30:06) Time-Blocking and Avoiding Distractions

(35:26) Slow Productivity and Quality Output

(38:53) Office Hours for Focused Interactions

(44:01) Overcoming Boredom Scrolling

(46:20) Categories of Meaningful Leisure

(51:13) Cal's Digital Minimalism Philosophy

(55:03) Intellectual Activities for Boredom

(57:29) Workday Boundaries and Shutdown Routine

(1:02:35) Balancing Family and Work

(1:05:35) Takoma Park Recommendations

(1:07:18) Cal's Current Focus