Cal Newport: The Secrets of Slow Productivity

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In this episode of Deep Dive, I sit down with Cal Newport the author of "Slow Productivity" and we explore the pitfalls of following your passion, the principles of deep work, and the balance between consistency and bursts of intensity when it comes to creative work. We also discuss balancing consistency with bursts of intensity, managing multiple projects, structuring your job to prevent burnout and the value of slow, deliberate efforts for long-term success. I hope you enjoy the episode :)
00:00 The Concept of Slow Productivity and Deep Work
11:16 Challenges of Following Your Passion
28:02 Managing Multiple Projects
31:30 The Evolution of Creative Processes
31:59 Redefining Productivity
38:29 Balancing Work and Life: Setting Boundaries and Managing Distractions
43:21 Challenges and Insights of The Art of Writing
🔗 CONNECT WITH CAL
🎥 KZbin Channel - / @calnewportmedia
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💻 Website - calnewport.com/
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI
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💻 Website - aliabdaal.com
👥 Linkedin - / ali-abdaal
📄SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - aliabdaal.com/podcast/
🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
Deep Dive is the podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
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[@Jamil_sunnycide]

Long time viewer, first time commenting! I encourage any solopreneur/freelancer to grab Cal's book, Slow Productivity. True change in how we can streamline our output, avoid burnout, dismantle hustle porn, and generate high quality work. It begins with this philosophy!

[@mannya_realtor]

Thank you for the recommendation! I’m going to add it to my list. What’s 1 key takeaway?

[@Jamil_sunnycide]

@@mannya_realtor it’s the 3 principles: 1) do less work 2) work at a natural pace 3) obsess over quality. Of course it’s nuanced so don’t read the principles at face value, it gets deep!

[@mannya_realtor]

@@Jamil_sunnycideI appreciate it!

[@77NickDale]

"hustle porn''..phrrwwt! Puhlease!

[@lockinacademy]

Getting good at “Deep Work” makes you feel unstoppable

[@deeps3399]

Woah finally two legends in single frame.Shall get the copy of Cal's new book soon.

[@dominuskelvin]

I don't think follow your passion is bad advice is just what passion means to most people now and then differs.

[@nazvannorel970]

I have the impression that productivity experts and personal development gurus have a new approach for every weakness: feel-good productivity, slow productivity, 4-hour workweek productivity, one-thing productivity, 5S productivity, now-is-the-time productivity, eat-the-frog-first productivity, getting-things-done productivity, and so on. I have been a corporate worker for 30+ years who studied electronics engineeering and political science. I have ADHD and a big responsibility to my parents, my five kids (two of my own and three foster children), and a German Shepherd. I need to be productive. I need to work. Do I feel good about it? No way. Can I take it slow? Absolutely not. I have a corporate job and a side hustle. My ideal version of productivity would be spending 3-5 hours learning new things, sleeping, walking with our dog, traveling to new places, and helping people in need. But none of these activities bring in any money.

[@justjacquelyn_2128]

Learning new things can bring you money, IF you implement them. Brian P. Morgan said in his book “The 12 Week Year”, knowledge isn’t power, implementation is.

[@ElusakinPrecious]

I think you can use the slow productivity to build a sustainable structure amidst your tight schedule to distill some of your knowledge and experience in electronics and political science into a product people can pay you for. You can even use some principles Ali teaches on his main channel to see what is worth teaching and grow all the same in the process. Just keep evolving.

[@mannya_realtor]

The ending was spot on for me. The grind never stops. You do something, and then there's always something more.

[@nathanaelopare-asiedu6254]

Thank you for all the amazing content you keep giving us.🙏❤

[@xingarthur]

Really enjoyed this, Thanks Ali!

[@engineeringmadeasy]

Cal Newport The Legend.

[@terrytari1891]

He's good!

[@twi_lala]

I’m so glad you shared the parent/spouse perspective- the mindset shifts you described about handling “interruptions” or packed schedules with kids really spoke to me, and I think are often overused in most “productivity” conversations.

[@amberbeeboo]

Much needed❤ and cheers to all those hustling 🎉

[@PlanetImo]

Thanks. Enjoyed that.

[@JustinCampbellP]

36:27 - Ali nearly had a Kevin Hart DAMN moment there 😂

[@Weighingyourwater]

He looks so good on camera omg

[@ascensionbias7528]

Steve Martin was quoting a line from the book- 'Ender's Game.'

[@SovandethMaky]

Thank you Ali.

[@bibienricakupe]

He is the best!

[@electricalresearchsma6803]

20:00 This is the opposite of Mr. Beast Approach ... (nice comment by Carl) 21:00 helpful real exerience on KZbin content making

[@marystewart1292]

Oooh, that was a good one. Thanks.

[@JosephFryling]

Literally trying to see both angles from their books! stoked for this podcast. Trying to start a productivity channel based on the principles.. Still debating the dumb phone as alternatives. either way got one in the drawer.

[@vikramjmukherjee]

Regarding the concept of pairing down to focus, I want to ask the following. How do you know when to pair down without losing things that you love? For instance I am a student who also enjoys playing music and is new to starting KZbin. What would you recommend doing when it comes to organizing this in a way that is slowly productive? Thank you

[@calnewport1227]

Thank you

[@PatriciaDawn3]

HELP! HELP! How can I get help to recieve my Productiviity book i bought back in January..like I have emailed so many times. How come no one gets back to me? HELPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@anuharidas3039]

Cal Newport and his books changed my life!!

[@najmehalyasin4194]

You can condense 'the book ''deep work'' in one page! However it goes on and on and on!

[@DarkSitari]

He's just selling his branding at this point. The book could be a free article.

[@rasib101]

No you can't. You might already understand the topic from your past experiences so it might seem like that to you , but that isn't the case for everyone

[@lisaw8619]

I was kind of sad to hear Cal say that he doesn't advise people to follow their passion because Plato and the ancients didn't advise that. Following your passion is a relatively new concept. So? Back then, people were more in survival mode. I definitely followed my passion, and I love my work (cell biology/medical research).

[@lisasachse778]

He also then proceeded to say that there is also no scientific evidence for it.

[@mohdsyazwannuddin1975]

I want to buy the new book Slow Productivity, but I just have to read A World Without Email first

[@bubbastylin]

Fantastic video. Cal Newport has incredible insights and I loved listening to you talk to each other @Ali... I'm a huge fan. I have an opinion to share with you. I don't think you should use curse words. I watched you on Mark Mansons podcast and listening to this one... It just doesn't seem authentic for you to swear and my advice would be to lean into not swearing It's almost like you're too nice or something Lol... Not sure. Use it don't use it! :) Just a thought. Hope it helps

[@ukstudent1]

Hi Ali Can you collaborate on a podcast with Rian Doris (the flow master... or whatever you call him as...). He is a great university professor, just like Cal in this video. I've seen his videos for a short time now and he gives good advice, take a look at his channel on KZbin, and post a podcast if possible. Thanks

[@Kevin_Ng974]

32:14

[@zactivitiesonly]

First comment 👍💪🥳

[@Ameridlo]

Ali comparing his pop book to Cals one is the ultimate egomaniac move

[@77NickDale]

I disagree with the 'don't follow your passion' thing'. There are LOADS of actors, filmmakers, writers, poets, dancers etc etc who had the dream from a very young age. It was ALL they wanted to do and they stayed on that path and have been very happy in their careers...

[@lisaw8619]

I completely disagreed with him there too! He said that the ancients didn't advise following your passion. But people were more in survival mode back then. Nowadays there is more freedom for many people to follow their passion.

[@thomashunt6000]

Yes but those results are not typical. I think he's trying to give the most practical advice for success that applies to the average person.

[@officiallydreama4412]

To your example, it’s many more writers, poets, dancers, etc that didn't make it. I can understand your POV but I also understand Cal’s point as well

[@nickdale8173]

@@officiallydreama4412 What does 'make it' mean exactly? Maybe they didn't become famous but maybe they still pursue their art and are happy regardless...either doing it as a hobby, teaching it, doing it on the side, whatever..

[@nickdale8173]

@@thomashunt6000 It still doesn't really apply...if you have a passion for something, pursue it I say! It doesn't have to be your main career necessarily. AND we don't need to follow the BS American ideal that unless you're famous and at the top of the pyramid, you're not successful. BS!

[@saadalikhan3031]

Ads every 8 minutes? A bit annoying

[@0lsza]

Cal kinda looks like Minecraft villager

[@nasim8142]

Summary 👉 Cal Newport and Ali Abdaal discuss the concept of slow productivity and how it can be applied to modern knowledge work. They explore the importance of deep work, managing workload, and finding joy in your work. Highlights 👉 🎙 Deep Dive podcast interviews inspiring individuals to learn about their journeys and strategies for success. 📚 Cal Newport discusses his book “Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout.” 🧠 Deep work and productivity principles for overwhelmed individuals are explored. 🕒 Adopting a slower approach can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life. 💡 Cal shares his views on following one’s passion and cultivating it over time. ⚖ Balancing consistent work with bursts of intensity is crucial for deep work. ⏰ Managing time for deep work includes dedicating specific days for projects and focusing on one task at a time. 💡 Insights into the evolution of creative processes and the importance of structuring ideas are discussed. Key Insights 👉 🎯 Reducing the number of projects and managing administrative overhead creates space for deep work, leading to greater productivity and fulfillment. 💡 The balance between consistent work and bursts of intensity is key. Focused, uninterrupted time is necessary for deep work. 📅 Managing time for deep work can be achieved by dedicating specific days to different projects and focusing on one task at a time. 🌟 Finding joy in your work and having a sustainable approach to productivity are crucial for long-term success. 📚 Cal emphasizes the importance of defining productivity on your own terms and being transparent about your availability with colleagues and superiors. 💡 Passion is cultivated over time, and following one’s passion may not always be the best advice. It’s important to develop a genuine interest in your work. 🖊 Structuring ideas before diving into execution is essential for a successful creative process, allowing for better organization and clarity.