Ep. 324: Taming Non-Work Tasks

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

We talk a lot on this show about how to organize your professional efforts. But what about all your obligations outside of work? The personal goals, the household repairs, the family tasks? In this episode, Cal discusses organizational strategies custom-fit to these types of obligations. He then answers listener questions and checks in on a hidden trend in the world of technology.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Taming Non-Work Tasks [4:48]

- How do you manage unexpected projects in your time management system? [26:57]

- How can I implement lifestyle-centric planning if my life has been directed by other people? [29:36]

- How do you figure out what your rare and valuable skill is? [33:57]

- Should I return to social media to promote my new book? [37:30]

- How can I do fewer things if I’m expected to bill 40 client hours every week? [46:23]

- CALL: Hiring an administrative assistant [50:08]

CASE STUDY: A software developer’s “pull” system [57:35]

TECH CORNER: The Quiet Revolution [1:08:34]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow

Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/

Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?

newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/the-frightening-familiarity-of-late-nineties-office-photos

youtube.com/watch?v=-lRkCbhABvo

Thanks to our Sponsors:

blinkist.com/deep

notion.com/cal

zbiotics.com/cal

drinklmnt.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Chapter

1. Ep. 324: Taming Non-Work Tasks (00:00:00)

2. Deep Dive: Taming Non-Work Tasks (00:04:48)

3. How do you manage unexpected projects in your time management system? (00:26:57)

4. How can I implement lifestyle-centric planning if my life has been directed by other people? (00:29:36)

5. How do you figure out what your rare and valuable skill is? (00:33:57)

6. Should I return to social media to promote my new book? (00:37:30)

7. How can I do fewer things if I’m expected to bill 40 client hours every week? (00:46:23)

8. CALL: Hiring an administrative assistant (00:50:08)

9. CASE STUDY: A software developer’s “pull” system (00:57:35)

10. TECH CORNER: The Quiet Revolution (01:08:34)