Ep. 325: Simple Focus Protocols

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

A common theme on this show is the importance of focus and the need to train the ability. This can be a long term project, but are there things you can do right away to improve your ability to concentrate? In this episode, Cal explores five easy ideas that will immediately improve your focus ability. He then answers listener questions and reviews the books he read in October 2024.

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: Simple Focus Protocols [2:09]

- Can I time-block my personal time if it’s more busy than work? [25:57]

- How do I prioritize when I have so much I want to do? [29:46]

- How can I do deep work to increase my job skills if my days are filled with meetings? [34:50]

- What are your all-time favorite books? [39:25]

- How can I apply the principles of Slow Productivity as a business owner with multiple projects? [44:41]

- CALL: Eyeglasses as a proxy for meaningful effort [49:39]

FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in October 2024 [59:01]

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?

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions

grammarly.com/podcast

zocdoc.com/deep

shopify.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. 325: Simple Focus Protocols (00:00:00)

2. Deep Dive: Simple Focus Protocols (00:02:09)

3. Can I time-block my personal time if it’s more busy than work? (00:25:57)

4. How do I prioritize when I have so much I want to do? (00:29:46)

5. How can I do deep work to increase my job skills if my days are filled with meetings? (00:34:50)

6. What are your all-time favorite books? (00:39:25)

7. How can I apply the principles of Slow Productivity as a business owner with multiple projects? (00:44:41)

8. CALL: Eye glasses as a proxy for meaningful effort (00:49:39)

9. FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in October, 2024 (00:59:01)