A Note from James:
Cal Newport has written such great books about how to be more productive, more creative, the titles of the books speak for themselves: 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', 'Deep Work', and this latest one is called 'Slow Productivity'. It's about how you ultimately succeed in getting more productive by going slower and sometimes doing nothing. Cal tells us how and why and we always have an interesting conversation. So here is Cal Newport!
Episode Description:
This episode explores the nuanced concept of 'Slow Productivity,' as championed by Cal Newport, across an engaging dialogue that sheds light on achieving more by intentionally slowing down. Newport, making his fifth appearance on the podcast, underscores the counterintuitive productivity philosophy through his journey, inspirations from his books like 'Digital Minimalism,' and the pivotal role of mindful work habits. Referencing historical and contemporary figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Grisham, Newport articulates the significance of deliberate practice, the fallacy of equating busyness with productivity, and the benefits of focused work. Additionally, the interview captures a personal milestone of applying for full professorship, emphasizing the importance of scholarly impact and steady progress. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical wisdom, and critique of modern work culture's inefficiencies, the discussion advocates for a transformative approach to work and creativity that values depth, reflection, and the strategic delegation of tasks.
Episode Summary:
00:00 Introduction to Cal Newport and His Work
02:30 Cal's Journey as an Author and His Writing Process
04:09 The Importance of Stories Over Studies in Books
07:42 The Role of Workload in Productivity
14:22 The Impact of Technology on Productivity
14:52 The Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work
20:30 The Importance of Structuring Your Day
25:28 The Balance Between Hustle and Slow Productivity
30:59 The Misconceptions of Young People About Work
31:06 Balancing Grad School and Writing Books
31:13 The Importance of Time Management
32:03 The Reality of Workload and Social Interactions
32:37 The Mythology of Speed in Work
34:36 The Paradox of the Relaxed Rhodes Scholar
35:12 The Role of Time in Productivity
36:40 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity
38:26 The Impact of Pseudo Productivity
54:11 The Role of AI in Writing and Academia
01:00:03 The Journey to Tenure and Beyond
------------
------------
------------
Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts:
Follow me on social media:
Can You Solve These Puzzles with Me and A.J.?
How to Get Younger While Getting “Older" | Suzanne Somers
Finding Your Voice with Rudy Valdez | The 'Real Good' Podcast
Clear Horizons | A Dialogue with Shane Parrish
Deep Questions to Avoid Shallow Relationships
Jocko Willink’s Tactical Playbook
The Dual Sides of Victory | NFL Star Malcolm Jenkins
The World's Most Successful Gambler | Billy Walters
Scott Adams | Reframe Reality for Happiness and Success
Ask Altucher! EP07: How to Unlock Your Twenties
Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant: Strategies from the Minds of the Wealthy and Wise | Chris Ullman (Part 2)
How to Become the World Champion of Your Favorite Hobby | Chris Ullman (Part 1)
Ask Altucher! EP06: The Legacy Dilemma - What We Leave Behind and Why It Matters (Or Doesn't)
Anxiety, Art, and Appetizers | Inside Jeremy Fall's Creative Journey
In Honor & Memory... We Hear an NYC Air Traffic Controller’s 9/11 Story: How Chris Tucker Saved Lives
When the Game Was War: A Journey Back to the NBA's Greatest Season | Rich Cohen
How to Pivot Your Life Multiple Times | Bruce Feiler
Hooked on the First Line: The Sensual Syntax of Nabokov's 'Lolita,' 'Ada,' and 'Laughter in the Dark'
The Making of a Legend: How a Criminal Became a Champion | Frank Shamrock
Deciphering the Global Economic Puzzle | David Rubenstein
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour