Cal Newport, a bestselling author and Computer Science professor at Georgetown University, advocates for a slower approach to productivity that enhances work-life balance and reduces burnout. His philosophy promotes a deliberate and measured approach to work that emphasizes simplicity, autonomy, and thoughtful task engagement. In a world constantly bombarded with communication channels, Cal challenges the idea of constant activity and pseudo-productivity, advocating for a medicinal remedy of deliberate pacing and doing less to minimize undue communication.
In this conversation, we explore how to avoid suboptimal navigating of daily schedules, offering insights on improving functionality, focus, and sustaining productivity. Cal addresses challenges related to managing external pressures, prioritizing quality over quantity, intentional time management, and balancing ambition with work-life equilibrium. We discuss autonomy in creative work, common productivity mistakes, dealing with schedule intrusion, and escaping the gravitational pull of email.
Cal highlights the impact of slow productivity on modern knowledge work and provides practical strategies for effective workload management, communication, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He emphasizes the significance of meaningful work and the crucial role of setting boundaries to protect time and focus.
Show notes + MORE
Watch on YouTube
Newsletter Sign-Up
Today’s Sponsors:
InsideTracker: 25% OFF with code RICHROLL 👉insidetracker.com/RICHROLL
Roka: Unlock 20% OFF your order with code RICHROLL 👉ROKA.com/RICHROLL
AG1: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 & 5 FREE AG1 Travel Packs 👉 drinkAG1.com/richroll
NordicTrack: Top-tier treadmills, bikes, rowers, and more 👉nordictrack.com
Squarespace: Get FREE trial 👉 Squarespace.com/RICHROLL
Ryan Holiday On the Pursuit of Virtue
Julie Lythcott-Haims On How To Be An Adult
Guru Singh On Intuition Over Impulse
Rainn Wilson & Reza Aslan On Living In The Questions
Joanne Molinaro Is The Korean Vegan: Lessons On Life, Identity, & Food
Roll On: Melding Passion With Purpose (+ Arctic Swimmer Lewis Pugh!)
Mel Robbins On Why Confidence Is A Habit
Jonathan Fields On Finding Meaningful Work
Roll On: The Plight Of Women In Afghanistan
Paul Hawken: Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation
David Choe On Finding Beauty in Brokenness
Roll On: Work Is a False Idol
Maggie Baird Is The World’s Coolest Mom
Anna Lembke, MD on The Neuroscience of Addiction, Dopamine Fasting & The Opioid Crisis
Roll On: High Peaks, Cold Seas & Our Climate Code Red
Sergey Young on The Science of Growing Young
Eric Adams: NYC's First Vegan Mayor On Why Healthy Food Is A Human Right
Roll On: The Mental Health Olympics
Courtney Dauwalter: Mindset Secrets From The World's Best Ultrarunner
Bruce Friedrich On The Meatless Meat Moonshot
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
ZOE Science & Nutrition
The Daily
The Runner’s World Show
Human Race
Beginner: the Guardian guide to running