Maximize Productivity With These Time Management Tools | Dr. Cal Newport & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Dr. Cal Newport and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss the concept of time blocking, fixed schedule productivity and deep work.
Cal Newport, Ph.D. (@CalNewportMedia) is a professor of computer science at Georgetown University and bestselling author of numerous books on focus and productivity and how to access the deepest possible layers of your cognitive abilities in order to do quality work and lead a more balanced life. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast.
Watch the full episode: • Dr. Cal Newport: How t...
Show notes: www.hubermanlab.com/episode/d...
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Time Management Strategies
00:11 The Philosophy of Time Blocking vs. To-Do Lists
01:31 Adopting a Fixed Schedule for Productivity
02:17 Incorporating Exercise into a Busy Schedule
03:30 Managing Insomnia and Productivity
06:41 Deep Work: The Key to Long-Term Success
07:54 Looking Ahead: Planning for Decades, Not Days
08:51 Conclusion and Invitation to Watch Full Episode
#HubermanLab #CalNewport #Productivity
The Huberman Lab podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

[@HarpaAI]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:02 *⏰ Time Blocking for Productivity* - Utilizing time blocking instead of to-do lists. - Allocating specific tasks to available time slots throughout the day. - Structuring tasks based on available time, enhancing efficiency. 01:02 *🕠 Fixed Schedule Productivity* - Implementing a fixed schedule for work hours. - Driving innovation and efficiency through time constraints. - Balancing work commitments with personal time and family obligations. 02:28 *🏋️‍♂️ Integrating Exercise into Daily Routine* - Incorporating exercise, particularly weightlifting, as a transition from work to family time. - Prioritizing physical activity for mental sharpness and overall well-being. - Maintaining a consistent exercise routine alongside work commitments. 03:54 *😴 Adapting Productivity Strategies to Sleep Patterns* - Developing a productivity approach compatible with insomnia. - Shifting focus towards long-term productivity goals rather than daily tasks. - Emphasizing adaptability and resilience in the face of sleep challenges. 06:21 *🧠 Prioritizing Deep Work Sessions* - Setting aside dedicated periods for deep work, aiming for at least 60 to 90 minutes daily. - Tailoring work schedules to optimize deep work, even amidst varying demands. - Adopting a long-term perspective on productivity, focusing on sustained effort over time. Made with HARPA AI

[@jadenfabiani4362]

just realized this is the actual harpa ai account lol

[@healingwithbunina]

Thank you ❤

[@faisalhussain4022]

I do both, blocker is primary and then also have a To-do list for that blocker.

[@lethargic_cow]

Same. I use Task & Time from Minimal Desk Setups.

[@geekspeak1066]

Yep. I like to mark my MIT’s for those work blocks.

[@codykrueger796]

@lethargic_cow Minimal desk set ups? ​

[@vincecowlishaw]

And prioritize based on the deadline.

[@Claudia-lq3ns]

Smart. I should try the same. However, I highlight key things that I need to get done that day.

[@haveagobro436]

The key is prioritising the important work for those time blocks

[@EcomCarl]

Cal's approach to productivity offers a refreshing perspective on time management and efficiency! ⏰ Structuring your day with fixed schedules rather than endless to-do lists can lead to better focus and work-life balance. Incorporating exercise and prioritizing sleep are also crucial elements for optimal cognitive function and productivity.

[@brunodangelo1146]

I block my number time AND use to-do lists. I block my work time, so I can guarantee an ammount of hours of work. I also indicate for each block what I'm going to be working on. Then for each type of work I have a to-do list. So when the time comes, I look at it and tackle as many items in the list as I can. It also allows me to pick tasks depending on how time demanding they are and how I'm feeling at that point. If I feel like I can tackle one big demanding task, I go for it. If not I pick a lot of smaller and easier things that equally need to get done.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Looking forward to the insomnia podcast. I’ve learned so much on that subject already but need to keep at it. Just learned the word adenosine today. Maybe I missed it with you talking about why one should wait 45 minutes before coffee (I know you just put out an episode on coffee, haven’t watched yet) but I couldn’t stick with waiting for 45 minutes before not knowing a good reason to do that. I will try it again tomorrow and will look into the coffee episode soon, one thing at a time. Wake up, walk the dogs and then have coffee 45 minutes after I wake.❤Love all you do❤btw this clip was great, I often listened to full videos when I am gardening,sometimes walking…love the clips❤

[@hudamaulana9590]

I have a recurring vertigo issue, which, to me, has the same effect with your insomnia issue. The mere threat of it just forces me to be intentional and careful about my time and focus. Thank you for sharing this.

[@joshr1476]

Really appreciate this discussion, I’m going to start trying these tips

[@SFRB1187]

Absolute gold 👍

[@user-lb2gu7ih5e]

By YouSum Live 00:00:08 Time blocking over to-do lists philosophy. 00:00:19 Allocating tasks based on available time slots. 00:01:33 Fixed schedule productivity for efficient time management. 00:06:42 Deep work commitment for long-term productivity goals. 00:08:18 Adapting work routines to life stages and challenges. By YouSum Live

[@24carrotgold8]

I give my energy a job. Chemotherapy messes with one's energy, so I do what I can when I am able. 🤪

[@Amulee556]

i love this video

[@hypernewlapse]

really good

[@niraj5582]

Seems like a really good method to try.

[@Viteza85]

Talk to a middle income guy who has 5+ Kids and a high stress job! That would be a cool conversation about time management and stress. Just like a lot of science out there, these people have unique easy jobs, are successful, or don't have many children. Many of these people are not the average folks. Sure the theories and concepts are interesting...but these are all within perfect environments. An environment where they can focus on themselves and their needs without worrying about too many other things. Just not reality. It's why science is also changing.

[@buddyrevell511]

He does have several kids.

[@himesh2006]

"Excuses!"

[@1729krish]

​@@buddyrevell511dont tell him. Hes too busy in his own victimhood

[@verfran]

keep working on the stuff you do best to get better at it - oh, what a statement.

[@youcanthide004]

Rob Dyrdek & Jesse Itzler live their life under this philosophy. And both swear by it and if you think about it, it makes sense, it just does. I’m gonna to adopt this and see how it works out.

[@elijah-rw3qb]

I have a question : Does that make you closed off from family or friends the schedule blocks for your day? Having those time slot?

[@IAmDavidWhipple]

That’s right. You say no even to your closest. It’s sacred time with zero distractions.

[@teenafrench7236]

I think Cal Newport is my twin, I relate to everything he says.

[@jameskelly8148]

How do you do this if your job relies on answering customer calls and therefore you don’t know what problems you’re going to face?

[@timianalytics7150]

"I've beem doing this since I was undergrad" naaaahhh I can't compete😭😭

[@dariuszhorvath-krol8540]

I think the biggest problem is for people to get started, and then stay consistent - to have that kind of discipline ... I think key to doing that is very tiny amounts of time and slowly making it a habit by trying to do some thing like for one minute, every day, for 30 minutes, and very slowly increase that time; once we are adults, it is extremely difficult to change habits - I based this upon teaching dance for 19 years and dancing for 24 years. Just personal experience and some thing my math professor/ businessman student taught me.

[@zsa90]

This guy just discovered a calendar.

[@ajaypatoliya9331]

00:04 Dr. Cal Newport prefers time blocking over to-do lists 01:09 Practice fixed schedule productivity for better time management. 02:10 La importancia del ejercicio en la productividad 03:17 Establishing a bedtime routine for improved productivity 04:28 Productividad lenta te toma tu tiempo 05:38 Maximizing productivity by leveraging high concentration hours 06:55 Prioritize deep work over shallow work for long-term success 08:00 Plan for the future to maximize productivity Crafted by Merlin AI.

[@citizen1981]

Sounds to me like this man STILL has a list

[@fatherburning358]

Figure it out. Uhuh. Will do 👍

[@taimurkhanafridi]

Could his insomnia issues be due to working out in the evening?

[@xmax9297]

💯% a lot of exercise science I’ve seen lately indicates that intense work out close to bed time can negatively affect sleep. I’ve experienced it as well. Late morning to late afternoon seems to be the optimal work out window if you can swing it.

[@daniellecorenchuk1772]

That's a really interesting point, although he does mention that it's not so bad for him anymore. Perhaps it was just that body regulation phase that was keeping him more awake. Based on what I know about him and his previous books, I'm sort of leaning towards the idea that he stays in an Alpha State and probably should have done more relaxation and meditation prior to bedtime.

[@zeidalsharif5709]

Good point.

[@ryanlowe7315]

He doesn't make a schedule guys, he just has time slots he puts things he wants to accomplish. aka. a schedule/to do list lmao

[@gintoki2099-mx6vn]

Exactly lol aka system

[@RyanDahn]

Yes. At first I was like….”oh that’s an interesting way to block off your day.” And then I thought about it for 30 seconds and was like…”wait, it’s the same thing. You’re just saying it differently.”

[@NoUserNamesLeft001]

Well I think there is a little more too it (though I hear your point). I have heard this kind of philosophy a lot before in various time management conversations. The difference is from to do list to schedule (note, a to do list is not a schedule). Instead of having a quota of items, you have a quota of time. A quota of time is very easy to be successful, a quota of tasks is much more likely to be a failure, which can burn you out.

[@Gadl-pq5ey]

@@NoUserNamesLeft001I agree. they sound similar, but they are practically different.

[@elijah-rw3qb]

That's what I do

[@RudyPJR]

Get shit done , period

[@RG-yz8ov]

I don't have time to watch this vid

[@maramalamir2166]

It’s not that you don’t have time it’s that you don’t make the time for it yk

[@RG-yz8ov]

@@maramalamir2166 it was satire

[@zenobiazorachacko1705]

Hahahahaha

[@yukifu19]

Anybody who read slow productivity knows that’s it’s pointedly about NOT maximizing productivity. These headlines are getting to be cartoonishly click-bait-y.

[@kurtiscring1550]

😂”10 hours a day for 10 days” 🙄🥴 I do 100 days dark to dark every summer -no problems with insomnia 😊

[@dhyvddn]

G

[@geekspeak1066]

Insomnia? Well Adderall will do that to ya.

[@filhanislamictv8712]

Slow productivity 5:30 man baby😂

[@imagistatheimagista1870]

Juggling six or more “girlfriends” requires next level time management skills…I’m all ears…😂

[@donardnoel3101]

Making light of his personal life in this format is tasteless just so you know.

[@daisyduke4640]

I get sick of making lists. That is a waste of time..

[@JeffPope]

…as I waste time watching someone talk about being productive and not waste time.

[@tibouchelina]

please read about the right islam man all what u say is already mentioned in quran

[@user-cu4qj7pd2o]

this guy is such a joke

[@TinRapper]

What’s wrong?

[@aliftkhar]

The only gripe is i can’t fathom a pife without internet, I practically know cultures and keep in touch via social media to my uni and college friends.

[@aliftkhar]

But you’d explain so it be better to get perspective

[@nav689]

How is he a joke? What does your life look like? Maybe it would be better if you followed his advice? Personally, his book "how to become a straight A student" was a life saver for me in college. His methods work.

[@user-cu4qj7pd2o]

​@@nav689After surviving the trauma of narcissistic abuse my life is brilliant. I don't care about some morning routine from a toxic predator. His information is readily available we don't need to enable a morally corrupt individual.

[@jackelvers]

This was super average

[@manavsk4807]

You still need a list for things to do in the blocks