Ep. 21: Taming Writer's Block, the Exaggerated Importance of a Digital Presence, and the Miseries of Digital Living | DEEP QUESTIONS

Deep Questions with Cal Newport ·

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on taming writer's block, the exaggerated importance of digital presence, and the miseries of digital living, among many other topics. I also play some question roulette and give an update on the current status and ambitious future plans for my Deep Work HQ.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

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Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

WORK QUESTIONS

  • Using music to help focus [1:58]
  • Limits on deep work quantities [3:07]
  • Teaching a team to value depth [7:36]
  • Taming writer's block [16:14]
  • Deciding whether to pursue an MBA [18:58]
  • Measuring success in academia [21:37]
  • Taking breaks from time blocking [25:03]

QUESTION ROULETTE [28:47]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

  • Thoughts on iPads + Apple pencil as productivity booster [35:52]
  • Overcoming the paradox of choice with productivity apps [38:17]
  • YouTube detoxing [43:12]
  • Organizing academic research [44:59]
  • The false necessity of building a digital presence [47:19]

WHAT I'M UP TO 

  • A closer look at Deep Work HQ [53:08]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

  • Instilling focus in kids [1:02:22]
  • On the value of my hyper-focused fitness [1:05:55]
  • Conversing with distracted people [1:12:50]
  • Managing multiple projects [1:15:44]
  • Unsolicited Sermon: The miseries of a life lived on screens [1:19:53]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

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