Cal Newport is a computer science professor and a New York Times bestselling author who writes about the impact of technology on society, and the struggle to work and live deeply in a world increasingly mired in digital distractions. On this podcast, he answers questions from his readers and offers advice about cultivating focus, productivity, and meaning amidst the noise that pervades our lives.
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episode 19: Ep. 19: Calendar Shaming, Digital Detox Struggles, and the Unexpected Challenges of Autonomy | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on calendar shaming, digital detox struggles, and the unexpected challenges of gaining more professional autonomy, among many other topics.
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Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:
WORK QUESTIONS
* Modernizing GTD [2:18]
* Calendar Shaming [7:59]
* How I keep track of projects [14:15]
* Staying relevant when less connected [16:29]
* The inherent unpredictability of kids and facing the productivity dragon [19:21]
* Quantifying career capital [25:09]
AUDIO QUESTION OF THE DAY [28:17]
TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
* Dealing with screen time overload [31:36]
* Is a Kindle a screen? [36:32]
* The relative depth of books versus podcasts [36.48]
* Digital detox struggles [39:26]
* Instagram struggles (hint: my suggestion starts with a ‘Q’ and rhymes with ‘bit’) [44:02]
QUESTION ROULLETE [45:49]
DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
* Interviewing people you want to emulate [49:04]
* Dealing with psychological hurdles such as negative self-talk and impostor syndrome [54:30]
* Learning hard things fast [1:03:53]
* Vitamin solitude [1:05:24]
* The challenges of autonomy [1:07:54]
* Understanding those upset by depth [1:11:05]
Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.