18 minutes in and I feel fired the hell up already. I unwittingly let my computer programming skills wither by being too comfortable at a job while pushing more on my passion for music on my spare time. Starting late last year I could feel that something is just no right, I felt one sided and unbalanced, thought about it and discovered that I let my passion for programming go hence I feel half fulfilled. As soon as I got back to being curious about new technologies and updating my skills through online courses I started to feel a sense of balance and purpose again. I felt the same way back in the day when I was wasting my weekends/spare time by not learning to produce music even though I had a burning desire for it like forever. This year I am cutting distractions as much as possible so I can get maximum time to catch up on programming and continue to improve on music making. This video is just in time.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:43 🧠 *Most people have a mistaken mental model about learning complex things, thinking it's limited by innate intelligence. This model is wrong.* 04:12 🌟 *Good news: Most people can learn things high up in complexity. Bad news: Learning everything is impossible due to time constraints.* 07:08 🎓 *The process of learning involves small steps, like climbing stairs. Deliberate practice with carefully designed exercises at each level is crucial.* 11:40 ⏳ *Patience is key in the long climb of expertise. Seek expert guidance to choose activities that move you to the next level, making sure they're tractable but not trivial.* 16:47 📱 *To find time for learning, reduce phone usage. Choosing a few complicated skills to master is worthwhile for personal and professional growth.* 21:51 📝 *Cal Newport's Note-Taking Tips:* 27:43 🎸 *Balancing Hobbies and Deep Work:* 37:32 📚 *Study Advice and UA-cam vs. Books:* 40:30 📱 *Avoiding Overemphasis on Productivity Apps:* 42:54 🎙️ *Incentive Structures and Podcasts:* 43:48 🤔 *Figuring out what skill to learn next in your career is crucial. Many people choose randomly, but investing time to deconstruct your field and learn from those ahead can lead to valuable insights.* 46:52 🚀 *Balancing learning app development, exams, and paper writing at 15 is challenging. The advice is to slow down, prioritize, and understand that sustainable progress over time is more beneficial than a short burst of intensity.* 49:10 📉 *Slowing down the rate of learning might feel less productive in the short term, but it leads to sustained progress. A slow and steady approach to skill acquisition is more effective and less likely to result in burnout.* 54:43 🔄 *Slow Productivity is a personal response to the challenges of transitioning from intense work in one's 30s to a more sustainable pace in the 40s. It involves reconfiguring productivity to produce meaningful work while enjoying life beyond professional achievements.* 01:02:51 🤝 *Creating a Slow Productivity Affinity Group at a university, as illustrated by Andrew, involves bringing together faculty and staff to discuss sustainable work practices, share resources, and form writing accountability groups. The group explores both productivity and the slow aspects, addressing burnout and work-life balance.* 01:04:56 🚧 *Productivity Struggle* 01:05:48 🛑 *Systematic Solutions* 01:06:29 🤔 *Slow Productivity Groups* 01:07:14 🥤 *Element Electrolyte Sponsor* 01:10:43 📚 *Monthly Book Recommendations* Made with HARPA AI
im gonna joke with a long version :: 00:00 The key skill for improving your life in 2024 is learning hard things, whether in work or personal life. 03:30 The common belief that your brain's capacity determines the complexity you can master is wrong. 05:47 The good news is most people can learn things high up on the complexity hierarchy; brainpower differences are less significant than nurture. 06:01 The bad news is you can't learn everything due to the time it takes to master complex things. 07:08 Learning is a step-by-step process represented as stair steps, each level requiring deliberate practice and stretching beyond comfort. 11:25 Progress is achieved by choosing goals and seeking expert help, making small steps toward mastery at each level. 13:33 Cultivating expert knowledge in both professional and personal life is essential for a deep and satisfying life. 15:47 Start working on something complicated and valuable, both professionally and personally, to set a standard for yourself. 17:14 People often think others are smarter because they don't see the long process and effort it took to master complex things. 20:54 Studying and appreciating art in unrelated creative fields can inspire and inject creative energy into your own work. 22:44 Zach Do is an app and website that helps users find, compare, and book highly rated in-network doctors. It allows users to search for providers based on location, insurance, reviews, and new client availability. 23:37 Medical providers and doctors on Zach Do use the platform to handle paperwork ahead of time and send appointment reminders through text messages, making the process more convenient for patients. 24:06 Zach Do is a free app and website that enables users to instantly book appointments with top-rated doctors online, eliminating the need for waiting on hold with a receptionist. 25:00 Better Help is an online therapy platform designed for convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. Users can fill out a brief questionnaire to be matched with a licensed therapist, and they can switch therapists at any time without additional charges. 26:33 Therapy is emphasized as a way to take care of one's mental health, addressing issues such as ruminations, negative thinking, and obstacles in the individual's own brain. 27:29 Note-taking serves different purposes, including short-term task grounding, capturing to-dos throughout the day, and acting as a working memory extender. Three critical types of note-taking are working memory extension, obligation tracking, and capturing key ideas about work and life. 34:55 Balancing multiple hobbies and activities, such as playing the guitar, drawing, and gardening, within a week while maintaining focus on deep life core fundamentals can be achieved by quantitatively scheduling and assessing the feasibility of the proposed schedule. 37:32 The user is advised not to rely solely on productivity tips found on UA-cam, as the incentive structure on the platform may prioritize views and engagement over effective advice. Instead, the user is encouraged to seek advice from books with a proven track record of success in the specific domain, such as "How to Become a Straight-A Student." 43:07 Incentive structures in information sharing platforms matter, and the user is advised to consider sources where the incentive is for the advice to work. Books and podcasts, with their focus on delivering effective advice, are recommended over platforms like UA-cam where algorithms may influence content. 45:49 Slow down the rate at which you learn complex skills, especially if you have other obligations like exams or work. Avoid the temptation to force rapid progress; instead, take a sustainable approach over time. 47:21 Focus on a slow and deliberate learning process for app development. Understand that becoming proficient in a skill involves many small steps, each requiring time and deliberate effort. 48:56 Embrace a slower approach to learning, even if it feels like you're making less progress in the short term. Avoid the burnout that comes with trying to force quick advancements in skills. 49:55 Sustainable progress is achieved through a slower, consistent pace over time. Avoid the temptation of temporary bursts of intense effort that lead to burnout. The key is to take longer, vary your pace, and be patient. 54:43 Slow productivity emerged as a response to the need for a sustainable approach to work, especially in middle age. It aims to reconfigure productivity, allowing individuals to produce meaningful work without the need for constant high intensity. 57:14 Slow productivity is a personal answer to the question of how to continue producing meaningful work in one's 40s while investing time in family and community. It provides a sustainable pace for long-term success and satisfaction. 01:03:34 The slow productivity affinity group at a university is designed to bring together faculty and staff interested in sustainable approaches to work. It addresses frustrations, burnout, work-life balance, and aims to gradually incorporate slow productivity ideas. 01:08:08 Element is a sugar-free electrolyte supplement used by athletes, those fasting, or following specific diets. It's endorsed by various sports organizations and is suitable for post-workout hydration without added sugars or artificial flavors. 01:09:19 Element introduces a new feature called the Element Chocolate Medley, designed for hot drinks in the winter season. By visiting drinklmnt.com deep, users can get a free sample pack with any order, providing a risk-free opportunity to try Element's products. 01:10:43 Cal Newport proceeds to discuss the books he read in December 2023. He covers "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, an essay collection influencing intentional living and minimalism. Newport then reviews "Pandora's Box" by Peter Biskind, detailing the history of Prestige TV from HBO to streaming platforms. 01:13:51 Newport provides a brief review of Nick Offerman's latest book, "Where the Deer and the Antelope Play." He praises Offerman's storytelling skills but criticizes the inclusion of simplistic and cringy political commentary, suggesting readers start with Offerman's first book. 01:17:49 Newport recommends two books by Richard Elliot Freedman: "Who Wrote the Bible" and "The Exodus." He appreciates Freedman's ability to make complex topics like biblical textual criticism accessible and engaging for a broader audience, providing insights into the authorship and historical context of the Bible
Dear Prof. Cal, I am not sure if you see this, since you're basically the CEO of digital minimalism this could not be something you'd do hahaha! But I want to express my gratitude for your bright mind and for your books, specially Deep Work & Digital Minimalism, which both helped me have a huge mindset shift in 2023 and by the help of which I enter 2024 much less restricted by the weights of passive social media use and the distraction-based economy. I really believe that your ideas deserve much more attention! Thank you!
Your step metaphor is spot on. I teach private music lessons for a living just over 5 years now, mostly for kids ages 5 to 13. This is exactly how the skill growth goes. It starts hard which is the vertical part of the step then it gets easy for a bit, that being the horizontal. Then as they start learning new techniques or skills it becomes vertical again. The biggest issue though is if you don't keep using that skill you will actually digress and have to re-climb previous stairs again. Something I've witnessed first hand with students who didn't practice at all and ones that committed to practice at least close to around 2 hours a week which is about 30 minutes out of the 5 days of the week taking a day or 2 off. So not just growing your skills but also maintaining them and keeping them fresh is crucial to your progress and growth.
I liked the podcast, I'm currently making a career change, I'm moving from business administration to data analytics.... I had to go back to school to learn coding... one thing I notice is that I am not a fast learner, I can see that sometimes the teacher goes too fast for me... so I have to work late to learn it... at the same time what I notice is that something in my learning methodology that was not effective... I tend to spend time reading over and over again or trying to solve a problem for hours... so what I think is that I have to make an extra effort to make my learning process more effective.... I mean after trying to solve a problem for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes without finding a solution, I look for help... I share the problem with someone else... etc... another thing that I think is strategic is not only to work on coding, I realize that many times I use the same tools... it's important to go to the technical base and confirm that you are doing it the right way, that you are using the right tools in the right way... what I mean is not only knowing how to solve the problem, but also knowing why you are doing it... it's like speaking a language fluently and speaking it correctly... in my case, I'm good at making things, but I realise that so far I haven't got really good at it
This year I'm hoping to get better at writing. I've got to write a Master's thesis by ~April and then defend it June/July. And so far it's the most difficult thing I've been doing 😮💨
I usually listen to this as a podcast and I love it. The small talk between Jesse and Cal, the banter and over the top bad jokes make it entertaining to listen as well.
For me, i feel like i know everything and i understand how things works. Like i hear a voice inside my brain that telling me "yeah, you already know that, that is easy, you can do it and whatsoever" it makes me comfortable, but in reality those are in my mind. My body tells me in opposite, i really don't know how to start like my body won't do a single move how to do things that I'm thinking. There is really a difference and it is hard for me to control and I really don't know how handle this situation. It's like I can read but I don't know how to write.
Sounds like you need to train your body. I've learned there's an interconnected relationship amongst your mind, body, and soul, and you can either have harmony among them or a tug-of-war.
Other than books, your videos are a great source of learning for me, in these winter vacations, I have just applied one of your suggestion to reduce overload and it has significantly helped me from burning out and gave me alot of free time.
Thank you Cal for another awesme banger. The question with the 15yr trying to study 8hrs n the weekend hit home for me as a emplyed full stack software engineer now learning computer science on my own. I want things to happen faster, like that person and we get sucked into almost unrealistic progress.
I'm 30 and went to college but never felt like I was cultivating a valuable skill through work or school, I have been looking at a career change but having trouble. The job I have is just busy work that leaves me feeling drained, like I'm just spinning my wheels. Maybe I'm just typing here to vent 😅
I have experienced the following observation in my experience. If I put my life (notes, concerns, ideas, etc.) into the table/spreadsheet/hierarchy of lists, then I go into the jail, into the prison from better ideas, better options, better goals, better solutions.
I am an immigrant and studied accounting while raising my kids for financial freedom. I was and am average at everything, however, I did pass CPA exams and have the designation. At the time, I was thinking that once I have a reasonably good job, which I do for about 8 years, I will explore my different passions and make the final career/business out of them. But now I feel that I have vested myself so long in this field that another career may take as long. I want to start the accounting services business but really I still struggle as accounting is still not my forte despite the experience and the designation; it scares me but I feel that having your own business can liberate you in many ways
Keep at it, Cal. Skeleton jokes and elaborate decorative home lighting set ups aside, you provide an exceptional (truly!) amount of value on this channel. You’ve had a positive impact on my life at multiple stages, I’ve deployed multi scale planning and deep work periods for some time and it’s a game changer. Whenever I feel a bit down, it’s nearly almost because I’ve slipped slightly in these structures.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🎯 *Misconceptions about Learning Complex Skills* - Common mental model: Belief that the complexity one can master is determined by inherent intelligence. - Incorrect assumption linking intelligence to the level of complexity one can learn and master. - The misconception that brain capacity defines the scope of what an individual can learn. 03:30 🧠 *Reality of Learning Complex Subjects* - Good news: Most people are capable of learning a vast array of complex subjects. - Brainpower differences exist but are less genetic and more nurtured by upbringing and experiences. - Bad news: While capable of learning a lot, time constraints limit the breadth of subjects one can master. 06:41 📚 *The Staircase Model of Learning* - Depiction of learning as incremental steps on a staircase, each level representing a new understanding. - Progression involves small steps that require deliberate practice and pushing beyond comfort zones. - Expert knowledge accumulates through a lengthy process of consistent, step-by-step advancement. 11:40 🌟 *Importance of Expert Guidance and Patience* - Achieving expertise requires careful, expert-guided choices of goals and activities. - Deliberate practice involves selecting goals that challenge but are achievable. - Patience and deliberate guidance are fundamental to acquiring expertise in any field. 13:20 🤔 *Value of Pursuing Complex Skills* - Cultivating expertise in complicated subjects adds depth and satisfaction to life. - Mastery of complex skills distinguishes humans and is crucial to a fulfilling life. - Encouragement to aim for expertise in both professional and personal spheres. 16:07 ⏰ *Time Management for Skill Development* - Emphasizes the necessity of time reallocation by reducing screen time for skill development. - Allocating time for deliberate practice and learning complicated subjects is essential. - Encouragement to use available time for cultivating expertise rather than excessive screen use. 21:09 📽️ *Studying Unrelated Creative Fields* - Studying unrelated creative fields (e.g., films, art) can inspire and inject creative energy into your work. - Studying art not directly related to your field can offer a fresh perspective and inspire creativity in your own work. - Exploring creative areas outside your expertise can reduce stress and anxiety associated with studying similar fields. 22:15 🩺 *Zach Do Sponsorship & Benefits* - Zach Do simplifies finding and scheduling appointments with doctors and medical providers. - The app allows users to discover nearby providers, view reviews, and book appointments conveniently. - Doctors using Zach Do streamline paperwork and appointment reminders, improving the overall healthcare experience. 25:11 🌟 *BetterHelp Sponsorship for Mental Health Support* - BetterHelp offers online therapy to support mental health, particularly during stressful periods like the holidays. - Therapy aids in repairing the relationship with one's mind, enabling personal growth and deeper self-understanding. - BetterHelp's online platform provides convenience, flexibility, and easy access to licensed therapists. 27:29 📚 *Note Taking: Working Memory & Obligations* - Note taking serves various purposes, including expanding working memory and tracking obligations. - Critical note-taking areas include a working memory extender, obligation tracker, and capturing key ideas and concerns. - Utilizing different systems for each note-taking type (e.g., plain text file, Trello, digital notebooks) enhances organization and information retention. 33:45 🌱 *Balancing Hobbies and Core Life Habits* - Balancing multiple hobbies within a week requires a quantitative approach and careful scheduling. - Experimenting with time blocks for hobbies helps determine feasibility and sustainability without overwhelming life. - Adjusting the pace or sequencing of hobbies (e.g., seasonal focus) allows for better integration without compromising essential life habits. 37:18 📖 *Study Habits: Book vs. UA-cam Advice* - The incentive structures differ between books and UA-cam content, impacting the quality of advice. - Books on study habits, like "How to Become a Straight-A Student," often focus on practical, effective strategies. - Opting for a book on study habits rather than UA-cam videos can provide more focused, time-tested, and effective guidance. 42:25 🎙️ *Podcast Growth Strategies* - Podcast growth parallels book readership. - Incentive structures matter for advice to work effectively. - Finding advice sources with aligned incentive structures is crucial. 43:48 🤔 *Choosing New Skills Thoughtfully* - Deciding on the next skill to acquire deserves thoughtful consideration. - Deconstructing your field by analyzing successful individuals' paths is helpful. - Focusing effort on skills strategically rather than randomly yields higher returns. 46:22 🐢 *Slow Productivity Approach* - Slowing down learning amidst obligations leads to sustained progress. - Patience in skill acquisition outperforms rushed, intense efforts. - Sustainable, incremental progress yields higher results in the long term. 52:49 📚 *Slow Productivity and Life Phases* - Slow productivity emerged from seeking a balance between work and family in middle age. - Addressing cultural and personal questions about sustainable productivity. - Shift in mindset towards producing meaningful work without constant pressure. 59:46 🌍 *Culture's Need for Sustainable Productivity* - Slow productivity addresses a cultural need for a more sustainable approach to knowledge work. - Providing a new definition of productivity beyond mere output quantity. - Aligning personal and cultural challenges with a sustainable productivity model. 01:03:20 📚 *The importance of slow productivity in work environments* - Slow productivity versus productivity aspects importance in discussions. - Expressing frustration about work-life balance and the pressure for constant productivity is a vital initial step. - Embracing the slow productivity concept helps address the conflict between work and personal life. 01:06:02 🗣️ *Setting up slow productivity groups* - Establishing slow productivity discussion groups at workplaces. - Providing guidance for running and structuring such groups effectively. - Steps recommended for starting and maintaining a slow productivity group. 01:07:14 🥤 *Advertisement: Element - Electrolyte Drink Mix* - Element, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix, recommended for hydration and health. - Its various uses for different lifestyles and fitness regimens. - Instructions for acquiring a free sample pack. 01:10:43 📖 *Book Reviews: December 2023 Reads* - Review of "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, focusing on its influence on environmental thinking and intentional living. - "Pandora's Box" by Peter Biskind: A historical account of the evolution of streaming media and prestige TV. - "Where the Deer and the Antelope Play" by Nick Offerman: An uneven book blending storytelling with political commentary. - Scholarship on Biblical texts: Richard Elliot Freedman's "Who Wrote the Bible" and "The Exodus," exploring complex biblical textual criticism and historical context. Made with HARPA AI
It's great to hear that you are studying films. I am a film student / teacher. Just wanted to mention a great book on this subject "Film Art: An Introduction" by David Bordwell. Btw, I am rereading "So Good They Can't Ignore You" and "Deep Work". I think these books should be compulsory reading for all school and college students. Thank you.
math sum, really imaginative Cal! ("Limit determinant of your productivity", "mental model", "complexity of what you have mastered") I love how you use STEM terms in regular language!
I've been playing darts for 4 years and have played for 1100+ hours. I have improved but not by much. Pro level is 90+ average. A good pub level player is 60. I started at about 30-35 and have peaked at 50 recently but have dippes in recent weeks back to a 40. My point is these should be the years i make the biggest strides in ability. Quickly moving on from crawling to walking to running. I still feel like I'm crawling... I track my time. I practice things I'm not good at. I play matches against real people to raise the stakes. I analyse and plan. I still suck. I'm disheartened and disappointed. I firmly believe as a human I can achieve what other humans have proven is possible. Yet every day I see evidence that that is not true for me.
@@rollingon6358 I'm not sure exactly but my best guess would be playing from a position of comfort for too much. Often I'd get into the rhythm of just throwing without purpose or much challenge - just throwing at the treble 20 because it's fun. While I do play against people in a league, it's all at home so it's easy for the brain to slip into comfort mode again, even though I've seen the biggest improvements during those matches. Keeping the throw straight is a constant nightmare for me as well. If I could consistently keep all 3 darts straight in the 20 segment, I'd be performing a lot better but there are so many 5s and 1s that it crippled my game. It's like I'm playing with 2 darts and not 3 sometimes.
Mate darts is extremely hard, I bet If you spent that doing something else you be good. Try practicing without a board in your mind as well. That what some golfers do. 😊
This is the best thing i heard thank you everything you are speaking is so clear it shows v how you mastered the principals and pushed forward to be exceptional at it down to the little details and habits
What if what I do well professionally bleeds over into what I pursue and do well personally? I struggle with this sometimes as the boundaries aren’t so clear, which creates a lack of focus. Do you have anything thoughts on sharing the same mastery both professionally and personally?
I'm a bit curious. Why hard skills when everyone's saying it's the soft skills we need to work on? They are a lot more difficult to manage and learn but are crutial for overall improvement, personal and career wise.
I think he is using the word "hard" to mean difficult or complex, and he uses technical skill examples because of his scientific background and subject interest areas. You can substitute soft skills by typing in particular interests (ie making small talk) into the search engine and find many very useful videos and podcasts on the subject. I recently went on an etiquette video blitz to see if I already knew it all, and to my chagrin, I learned a lot I didn't know about etiquette.
Hard skills is learning the technical aspects of a thing which is important. Soft skills is more to do with social interaction. Everyone is talking about soft skills now because career wise many people have the hard skills to do a thing but can’t articulate it to others or communicate well in a group environment.
I try to apply what I learn from your tribe ( you and your peers) but it does not work. I am a senior engineer who is running a start up, with many responsibilities. I wish that a female version of "Cal Newport" would teach us how to achieve all together:) responsibilities as a mom, wife, daughter, professional /business, social affairs for family.. but you do job great. thanks for contribution.
Take a look at Laura Vanderkam's books if you haven't heard of them already, or you can also search for the Laura Vanderkam episode Cal did on this channel
I have a feeling you won’t like this answer so I apologize in advance but I think this may be a perspective you haven’t heard before. You are not meant to do it all. We have created this notion that to be a successful woman you must essentially become superhuman. It’s very hard to be an amazing mother and excel at the workplace because of how demanding those two things are. I don’t know which stage at motherhood you’re at but take life slow and enjoy the time you have with your children. There will always be time to accomplish things in your career but children will move out and start lives of their own and you will miss them.
@JA-2 I hope you say the same thing to your male colleagues. Too many men try to ‘have it all’ when their children are too young and need their fathers most. Fathers won’t get those years back, so perhaps it’s best to wait until the children are older and have moved out. Men can have just as much fulfilment through fatherhood and we’ve failed men and fathers as a society by pushing a narrative that they should be able to compete on all fronts. Startups just aren’t the right space for male family figures…causes too much instability to the family unit.
Very good way to start the year. Thank you for this video. I was wondering where questions can be posted. Is it in the comment section here on UA-cam, or is there a link?
my main problem is commitment Issues :( 'you can't learn everything' means I have to pick and I don't know what I want and I certainly don't know how to figure it out. 😭
May I know who’s the co-host? What’s his role in the video? I’m curious but also confused about his presence 🤔 is he a technician? A co-host? Or whatever
close tv and cell phone, write plan, get shit done, reajust plan, get more shit done, reajust plan, be rich healthy fit and have free time. enjoy life. repeat
00:00 The key skill for improving your life in 2024 is learning hard things, whether in work or personal life. 03:30 The common belief that your brain's capacity determines the complexity you can master is wrong. 05:47 The good news is most people can learn things high up on the complexity hierarchy; brainpower differences are less significant than nurture. 06:01 The bad news is you can't learn everything due to the time it takes to master complex things. 07:08 Learning is a step-by-step process represented as stair steps, each level requiring deliberate practice and stretching beyond comfort. 11:25 Progress is achieved by choosing goals and seeking expert help, making small steps toward mastery at each level. 13:33 Cultivating expert knowledge in both professional and personal life is essential for a deep and satisfying life. 15:47 Start working on something complicated and valuable, both professionally and personally, to set a standard for yourself. 17:14 People often think others are smarter because they don't see the long process and effort it took to master complex things. 20:54 Studying and appreciating art in unrelated creative fields can inspire and inject creative energy into your own work. 22:44 Zach Do is an app and website that helps users find, compare, and book highly rated in-network doctors. It allows users to search for providers based on location, insurance, reviews, and new client availability. 23:37 Medical providers and doctors on Zach Do use the platform to handle paperwork ahead of time and send appointment reminders through text messages, making the process more convenient for patients. 24:06 Zach Do is a free app and website that enables users to instantly book appointments with top-rated doctors online, eliminating the need for waiting on hold with a receptionist. 25:00 Better Help is an online therapy platform designed for convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. Users can fill out a brief questionnaire to be matched with a licensed therapist, and they can switch therapists at any time without additional charges. 26:33 Therapy is emphasized as a way to take care of one's mental health, addressing issues such as ruminations, negative thinking, and obstacles in the individual's own brain. 27:29 Note-taking serves different purposes, including short-term task grounding, capturing to-dos throughout the day, and acting as a working memory extender. Three critical types of note-taking are working memory extension, obligation tracking, and capturing key ideas about work and life. 34:55 Balancing multiple hobbies and activities, such as playing the guitar, drawing, and gardening, within a week while maintaining focus on deep life core fundamentals can be achieved by quantitatively scheduling and assessing the feasibility of the proposed schedule. 37:32 The user is advised not to rely solely on productivity tips found on UA-cam, as the incentive structure on the platform may prioritize views and engagement over effective advice. Instead, the user is encouraged to seek advice from books with a proven track record of success in the specific domain, such as "How to Become a Straight-A Student." 43:07 Incentive structures in information sharing platforms matter, and the user is advised to consider sources where the incentive is for the advice to work. Books and podcasts, with their focus on delivering effective advice, are recommended over platforms like UA-cam where algorithms may influence content. 45:49 Slow down the rate at which you learn complex skills, especially if you have other obligations like exams or work. Avoid the temptation to force rapid progress; instead, take a sustainable approach over time. 47:21 Focus on a slow and deliberate learning process for app development. Understand that becoming proficient in a skill involves many small steps, each requiring time and deliberate effort. 48:56 Embrace a slower approach to learning, even if it feels like you're making less progress in the short term. Avoid the burnout that comes with trying to force quick advancements in skills. 49:55 Sustainable progress is achieved through a slower, consistent pace over time. Avoid the temptation of temporary bursts of intense effort that lead to burnout. The key is to take longer, vary your pace, and be patient. 54:43 Slow productivity emerged as a response to the need for a sustainable approach to work, especially in middle age. It aims to reconfigure productivity, allowing individuals to produce meaningful work without the need for constant high intensity. 57:14 Slow productivity is a personal answer to the question of how to continue producing meaningful work in one's 40s while investing time in family and community. It provides a sustainable pace for long-term success and satisfaction. 01:03:34 The slow productivity affinity group at a university is designed to bring together faculty and staff interested in sustainable approaches to work. It addresses frustrations, burnout, work-life balance, and aims to gradually incorporate slow productivity ideas. 01:08:08 Element is a sugar-free electrolyte supplement used by athletes, those fasting, or following specific diets. It's endorsed by various sports organizations and is suitable for post-workout hydration without added sugars or artificial flavors. 01:09:19 Element introduces a new feature called the Element Chocolate Medley, designed for hot drinks in the winter season. By visiting drinklmnt.com deep, users can get a free sample pack with any order, providing a risk-free opportunity to try Element's products. 01:10:43 Cal Newport proceeds to discuss the books he read in December 2023. He covers "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, an essay collection influencing intentional living and minimalism. Newport then reviews "Pandora's Box" by Peter Biskind, detailing the history of Prestige TV from HBO to streaming platforms. 01:13:51 Newport provides a brief review of Nick Offerman's latest book, "Where the Deer and the Antelope Play." He praises Offerman's storytelling skills but criticizes the inclusion of simplistic and cringy political commentary, suggesting readers start with Offerman's first book. 01:17:49 Newport recommends two books by Richard Elliot Freedman: "Who Wrote the Bible" and "The Exodus." He appreciates Freedman's ability to make complex topics like biblical textual criticism accessible and engaging for a broader audience, providing insights into the authorship and historical context of the Bible
I'm stunned by this content. I encountered something similar, and it was absolutely incredible. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove
The guaranteed money stuff is a no argument thing to me because I just don’t see the world where deshaun Watson is gonna get cut man. He was 5-1 as a starter. He’s gonna get paid and deserve every penny of that contract. The guaranteed money stuff is overblown a lot of the time.
I wonder if it makes any sense to even dream about learning hard, complex skills when one is > 50 years. After all, it is probably too late for anything...
Never too late! I’m 52 and applying to a PhD program, I feel Cal’s work has inspired me. I’m also inspired by not wanting to wind up old and unhappy by not going for my dreams. My mother talked about going to law school when I was in college, she never did it and I wish she had gone for it, it really would have made her happy. We have to choose to not allow negative thinking into our minds. Catch yourself and refuse to let it ruminate. We can train our minds.
@@notthatJules1Thank you! I plan to become a neurosurgeon in the future, but I've been hearing about how hard it is and how competitive that field is so I get scared a lot. But your words made me realize that I still want to go after that dream, and that I can train my mind to become more resilient in the face of all those doubts and insecurities. Thank you and good luck on your PhD!
I really like some of your work and I applied in my personal and professional life, but your approach in the first 10 minutes made me lose interest for this topic. I just love learning. Looking forward to a better video. Thanks!
I don't think these (maths, music, UA-cam)are Hard skills, for me hard skills are (farming, running grocery stores, sewing etc) learning computer is waste of time
18 minutes in and I feel fired the hell up already.
I unwittingly let my computer programming skills wither by being too comfortable at a job while pushing more on my passion for music on my spare time.
Starting late last year I could feel that something is just no right, I felt one sided and unbalanced, thought about it and discovered that I let my passion for programming go hence I feel half fulfilled. As soon as I got back to being curious about new technologies and updating my skills through online courses I started to feel a sense of balance and purpose again.
I felt the same way back in the day when I was wasting my weekends/spare time by not learning to produce music even though I had a burning desire for it like forever. This year I am cutting distractions as much as possible so I can get maximum time to catch up on programming and continue to improve on music making. This video is just in time.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:43 🧠 *Most people have a mistaken mental model about learning complex things, thinking it's limited by innate intelligence. This model is wrong.*
04:12 🌟 *Good news: Most people can learn things high up in complexity. Bad news: Learning everything is impossible due to time constraints.*
07:08 🎓 *The process of learning involves small steps, like climbing stairs. Deliberate practice with carefully designed exercises at each level is crucial.*
11:40 ⏳ *Patience is key in the long climb of expertise. Seek expert guidance to choose activities that move you to the next level, making sure they're tractable but not trivial.*
16:47 📱 *To find time for learning, reduce phone usage. Choosing a few complicated skills to master is worthwhile for personal and professional growth.*
21:51 📝 *Cal Newport's Note-Taking Tips:*
27:43 🎸 *Balancing Hobbies and Deep Work:*
37:32 📚 *Study Advice and UA-cam vs. Books:*
40:30 📱 *Avoiding Overemphasis on Productivity Apps:*
42:54 🎙️ *Incentive Structures and Podcasts:*
43:48 🤔 *Figuring out what skill to learn next in your career is crucial. Many people choose randomly, but investing time to deconstruct your field and learn from those ahead can lead to valuable insights.*
46:52 🚀 *Balancing learning app development, exams, and paper writing at 15 is challenging. The advice is to slow down, prioritize, and understand that sustainable progress over time is more beneficial than a short burst of intensity.*
49:10 📉 *Slowing down the rate of learning might feel less productive in the short term, but it leads to sustained progress. A slow and steady approach to skill acquisition is more effective and less likely to result in burnout.*
54:43 🔄 *Slow Productivity is a personal response to the challenges of transitioning from intense work in one's 30s to a more sustainable pace in the 40s. It involves reconfiguring productivity to produce meaningful work while enjoying life beyond professional achievements.*
01:02:51 🤝 *Creating a Slow Productivity Affinity Group at a university, as illustrated by Andrew, involves bringing together faculty and staff to discuss sustainable work practices, share resources, and form writing accountability groups. The group explores both productivity and the slow aspects, addressing burnout and work-life balance.*
01:04:56 🚧 *Productivity Struggle*
01:05:48 🛑 *Systematic Solutions*
01:06:29 🤔 *Slow Productivity Groups*
01:07:14 🥤 *Element Electrolyte Sponsor*
01:10:43 📚 *Monthly Book Recommendations*
Made with HARPA AI
Thank you!!!
Thank you so very much for creating context of this video. A lot of us appreciate it.
im gonna joke with a long version ::
00:00 The key skill for improving your life in 2024 is learning hard things, whether in work or personal life.
03:30 The common belief that your brain's capacity determines the complexity you can master is wrong.
05:47 The good news is most people can learn things high up on the complexity hierarchy; brainpower differences are less significant than nurture.
06:01 The bad news is you can't learn everything due to the time it takes to master complex things.
07:08 Learning is a step-by-step process represented as stair steps, each level requiring deliberate practice and stretching beyond comfort.
11:25 Progress is achieved by choosing goals and seeking expert help, making small steps toward mastery at each level.
13:33 Cultivating expert knowledge in both professional and personal life is essential for a deep and satisfying life.
15:47 Start working on something complicated and valuable, both professionally and personally, to set a standard for yourself.
17:14 People often think others are smarter because they don't see the long process and effort it took to master complex things.
20:54 Studying and appreciating art in unrelated creative fields can inspire and inject creative energy into your own work.
22:44 Zach Do is an app and website that helps users find, compare, and book highly rated in-network doctors. It allows users to search for providers based on location, insurance, reviews, and new client availability.
23:37 Medical providers and doctors on Zach Do use the platform to handle paperwork ahead of time and send appointment reminders through text messages, making the process more convenient for patients.
24:06 Zach Do is a free app and website that enables users to instantly book appointments with top-rated doctors online, eliminating the need for waiting on hold with a receptionist.
25:00 Better Help is an online therapy platform designed for convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. Users can fill out a brief questionnaire to be matched with a licensed therapist, and they can switch therapists at any time without additional charges.
26:33 Therapy is emphasized as a way to take care of one's mental health, addressing issues such as ruminations, negative thinking, and obstacles in the individual's own brain.
27:29 Note-taking serves different purposes, including short-term task grounding, capturing to-dos throughout the day, and acting as a working memory extender. Three critical types of note-taking are working memory extension, obligation tracking, and capturing key ideas about work and life.
34:55 Balancing multiple hobbies and activities, such as playing the guitar, drawing, and gardening, within a week while maintaining focus on deep life core fundamentals can be achieved by quantitatively scheduling and assessing the feasibility of the proposed schedule.
37:32 The user is advised not to rely solely on productivity tips found on UA-cam, as the incentive structure on the platform may prioritize views and engagement over effective advice. Instead, the user is encouraged to seek advice from books with a proven track record of success in the specific domain, such as "How to Become a Straight-A Student."
43:07 Incentive structures in information sharing platforms matter, and the user is advised to consider sources where the incentive is for the advice to work. Books and podcasts, with their focus on delivering effective advice, are recommended over platforms like UA-cam where algorithms may influence content.
45:49 Slow down the rate at which you learn complex skills, especially if you have other obligations like exams or work. Avoid the temptation to force rapid progress; instead, take a sustainable approach over time.
47:21 Focus on a slow and deliberate learning process for app development. Understand that becoming proficient in a skill involves many small steps, each requiring time and deliberate effort.
48:56 Embrace a slower approach to learning, even if it feels like you're making less progress in the short term. Avoid the burnout that comes with trying to force quick advancements in skills.
49:55 Sustainable progress is achieved through a slower, consistent pace over time. Avoid the temptation of temporary bursts of intense effort that lead to burnout. The key is to take longer, vary your pace, and be patient.
54:43 Slow productivity emerged as a response to the need for a sustainable approach to work, especially in middle age. It aims to reconfigure productivity, allowing individuals to produce meaningful work without the need for constant high intensity.
57:14 Slow productivity is a personal answer to the question of how to continue producing meaningful work in one's 40s while investing time in family and community. It provides a sustainable pace for long-term success and satisfaction.
01:03:34 The slow productivity affinity group at a university is designed to bring together faculty and staff interested in sustainable approaches to work. It addresses frustrations, burnout, work-life balance, and aims to gradually incorporate slow productivity ideas.
01:08:08 Element is a sugar-free electrolyte supplement used by athletes, those fasting, or following specific diets. It's endorsed by various sports organizations and is suitable for post-workout hydration without added sugars or artificial flavors.
01:09:19 Element introduces a new feature called the Element Chocolate Medley, designed for hot drinks in the winter season. By visiting drinklmnt.com deep, users can get a free sample pack with any order, providing a risk-free opportunity to try Element's products.
01:10:43 Cal Newport proceeds to discuss the books he read in December 2023. He covers "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, an essay collection influencing intentional living and minimalism. Newport then reviews "Pandora's Box" by Peter Biskind, detailing the history of Prestige TV from HBO to streaming platforms.
01:13:51 Newport provides a brief review of Nick Offerman's latest book, "Where the Deer and the Antelope Play." He praises Offerman's storytelling skills but criticizes the inclusion of simplistic and cringy political commentary, suggesting readers start with Offerman's first book.
01:17:49 Newport recommends two books by Richard Elliot Freedman: "Who Wrote the Bible" and "The Exodus." He appreciates Freedman's ability to make complex topics like biblical textual criticism accessible and engaging for a broader audience, providing insights into the authorship and historical context of the Bible
Thanks a ton! You are totally total! Many smiles and much metta.
❤ Thank you so much for this summary and time marks.
Dear Prof. Cal,
I am not sure if you see this, since you're basically the CEO of digital minimalism this could not be something you'd do hahaha! But I want to express my gratitude for your bright mind and for your books, specially Deep Work & Digital Minimalism, which both helped me have a huge mindset shift in 2023 and by the help of which I enter 2024 much less restricted by the weights of passive social media use and the distraction-based economy. I really believe that your ideas deserve much more attention! Thank you!
Your step metaphor is spot on. I teach private music lessons for a living just over 5 years now, mostly for kids ages 5 to 13. This is exactly how the skill growth goes. It starts hard which is the vertical part of the step then it gets easy for a bit, that being the horizontal. Then as they start learning new techniques or skills it becomes vertical again.
The biggest issue though is if you don't keep using that skill you will actually digress and have to re-climb previous stairs again. Something I've witnessed first hand with students who didn't practice at all and ones that committed to practice at least close to around 2 hours a week which is about 30 minutes out of the 5 days of the week taking a day or 2 off.
So not just growing your skills but also maintaining them and keeping them fresh is crucial to your progress and growth.
Muchas Gracias y Feliz y próspero 2024 para ti. Cal
I liked the podcast, I'm currently making a career change, I'm moving from business administration to data analytics.... I had to go back to school to learn coding... one thing I notice is that I am not a fast learner, I can see that sometimes the teacher goes too fast for me... so I have to work late to learn it... at the same time what I notice is that something in my learning methodology that was not effective... I tend to spend time reading over and over again or trying to solve a problem for hours... so what I think is that I have to make an extra effort to make my learning process more effective.... I mean after trying to solve a problem for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes without finding a solution, I look for help... I share the problem with someone else... etc... another thing that I think is strategic is not only to work on coding, I realize that many times I use the same tools... it's important to go to the technical base and confirm that you are doing it the right way, that you are using the right tools in the right way... what I mean is not only knowing how to solve the problem, but also knowing why you are doing it... it's like speaking a language fluently and speaking it correctly... in my case, I'm good at making things, but I realise that so far I haven't got really good at it
This year I'm hoping to get better at writing.
I've got to write a Master's thesis by ~April and then defend it June/July.
And so far it's the most difficult thing I've been doing 😮💨
We are all deep in that struggle. I have analysis paralysis that leads to procrastination. How do you feel about having an online writing group?
I usually listen to this as a podcast and I love it. The small talk between Jesse and Cal, the banter and over the top bad jokes make it entertaining to listen as well.
For me, i feel like i know everything and i understand how things works. Like i hear a voice inside my brain that telling me "yeah, you already know that, that is easy, you can do it and whatsoever" it makes me comfortable, but in reality those are in my mind. My body tells me in opposite, i really don't know how to start like my body won't do a single move how to do things that I'm thinking. There is really a difference and it is hard for me to control and I really don't know how handle this situation. It's like I can read but I don't know how to write.
Sounds like you need to train your body. I've learned there's an interconnected relationship amongst your mind, body, and soul, and you can either have harmony among them or a tug-of-war.
Other than books, your videos are a great source of learning for me, in these winter vacations, I have just applied one of your suggestion to reduce overload and it has significantly helped me from burning out and gave me alot of free time.
Thank you Cal for another awesme banger. The question with the 15yr trying to study 8hrs n the weekend hit home for me as a emplyed full stack software engineer now learning computer science on my own. I want things to happen faster, like that person and we get sucked into almost unrealistic progress.
I'm 30 and went to college but never felt like I was cultivating a valuable skill through work or school, I have been looking at a career change but having trouble. The job I have is just busy work that leaves me feeling drained, like I'm just spinning my wheels. Maybe I'm just typing here to vent 😅
I have experienced the following observation in my experience. If I put my life (notes, concerns, ideas, etc.) into the table/spreadsheet/hierarchy of lists, then I go into the jail, into the prison from better ideas, better options, better goals, better solutions.
I am an immigrant and studied accounting while raising my kids for financial freedom. I was and am average at everything, however, I did pass CPA exams and have the designation. At the time, I was thinking that once I have a reasonably good job, which I do for about 8 years, I will explore my different passions and make the final career/business out of them. But now I feel that I have vested myself so long in this field that another career may take as long. I want to start the accounting services business but really I still struggle as accounting is still not my forte despite the experience and the designation; it scares me but I feel that having your own business can liberate you in many ways
Keep at it, Cal. Skeleton jokes and elaborate decorative home lighting set ups aside, you provide an exceptional (truly!) amount of value on this channel. You’ve had a positive impact on my life at multiple stages, I’ve deployed multi scale planning and deep work periods for some time and it’s a game changer. Whenever I feel a bit down, it’s nearly almost because I’ve slipped slightly in these structures.
Anything worth doing or having takes time.
I'm here cause of reading your books professor. My respects for you from Uzbekistan
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🎯 *Misconceptions about Learning Complex Skills*
- Common mental model: Belief that the complexity one can master is determined by inherent intelligence.
- Incorrect assumption linking intelligence to the level of complexity one can learn and master.
- The misconception that brain capacity defines the scope of what an individual can learn.
03:30 🧠 *Reality of Learning Complex Subjects*
- Good news: Most people are capable of learning a vast array of complex subjects.
- Brainpower differences exist but are less genetic and more nurtured by upbringing and experiences.
- Bad news: While capable of learning a lot, time constraints limit the breadth of subjects one can master.
06:41 📚 *The Staircase Model of Learning*
- Depiction of learning as incremental steps on a staircase, each level representing a new understanding.
- Progression involves small steps that require deliberate practice and pushing beyond comfort zones.
- Expert knowledge accumulates through a lengthy process of consistent, step-by-step advancement.
11:40 🌟 *Importance of Expert Guidance and Patience*
- Achieving expertise requires careful, expert-guided choices of goals and activities.
- Deliberate practice involves selecting goals that challenge but are achievable.
- Patience and deliberate guidance are fundamental to acquiring expertise in any field.
13:20 🤔 *Value of Pursuing Complex Skills*
- Cultivating expertise in complicated subjects adds depth and satisfaction to life.
- Mastery of complex skills distinguishes humans and is crucial to a fulfilling life.
- Encouragement to aim for expertise in both professional and personal spheres.
16:07 ⏰ *Time Management for Skill Development*
- Emphasizes the necessity of time reallocation by reducing screen time for skill development.
- Allocating time for deliberate practice and learning complicated subjects is essential.
- Encouragement to use available time for cultivating expertise rather than excessive screen use.
21:09 📽️ *Studying Unrelated Creative Fields*
- Studying unrelated creative fields (e.g., films, art) can inspire and inject creative energy into your work.
- Studying art not directly related to your field can offer a fresh perspective and inspire creativity in your own work.
- Exploring creative areas outside your expertise can reduce stress and anxiety associated with studying similar fields.
22:15 🩺 *Zach Do Sponsorship & Benefits*
- Zach Do simplifies finding and scheduling appointments with doctors and medical providers.
- The app allows users to discover nearby providers, view reviews, and book appointments conveniently.
- Doctors using Zach Do streamline paperwork and appointment reminders, improving the overall healthcare experience.
25:11 🌟 *BetterHelp Sponsorship for Mental Health Support*
- BetterHelp offers online therapy to support mental health, particularly during stressful periods like the holidays.
- Therapy aids in repairing the relationship with one's mind, enabling personal growth and deeper self-understanding.
- BetterHelp's online platform provides convenience, flexibility, and easy access to licensed therapists.
27:29 📚 *Note Taking: Working Memory & Obligations*
- Note taking serves various purposes, including expanding working memory and tracking obligations.
- Critical note-taking areas include a working memory extender, obligation tracker, and capturing key ideas and concerns.
- Utilizing different systems for each note-taking type (e.g., plain text file, Trello, digital notebooks) enhances organization and information retention.
33:45 🌱 *Balancing Hobbies and Core Life Habits*
- Balancing multiple hobbies within a week requires a quantitative approach and careful scheduling.
- Experimenting with time blocks for hobbies helps determine feasibility and sustainability without overwhelming life.
- Adjusting the pace or sequencing of hobbies (e.g., seasonal focus) allows for better integration without compromising essential life habits.
37:18 📖 *Study Habits: Book vs. UA-cam Advice*
- The incentive structures differ between books and UA-cam content, impacting the quality of advice.
- Books on study habits, like "How to Become a Straight-A Student," often focus on practical, effective strategies.
- Opting for a book on study habits rather than UA-cam videos can provide more focused, time-tested, and effective guidance.
42:25 🎙️ *Podcast Growth Strategies*
- Podcast growth parallels book readership.
- Incentive structures matter for advice to work effectively.
- Finding advice sources with aligned incentive structures is crucial.
43:48 🤔 *Choosing New Skills Thoughtfully*
- Deciding on the next skill to acquire deserves thoughtful consideration.
- Deconstructing your field by analyzing successful individuals' paths is helpful.
- Focusing effort on skills strategically rather than randomly yields higher returns.
46:22 🐢 *Slow Productivity Approach*
- Slowing down learning amidst obligations leads to sustained progress.
- Patience in skill acquisition outperforms rushed, intense efforts.
- Sustainable, incremental progress yields higher results in the long term.
52:49 📚 *Slow Productivity and Life Phases*
- Slow productivity emerged from seeking a balance between work and family in middle age.
- Addressing cultural and personal questions about sustainable productivity.
- Shift in mindset towards producing meaningful work without constant pressure.
59:46 🌍 *Culture's Need for Sustainable Productivity*
- Slow productivity addresses a cultural need for a more sustainable approach to knowledge work.
- Providing a new definition of productivity beyond mere output quantity.
- Aligning personal and cultural challenges with a sustainable productivity model.
01:03:20 📚 *The importance of slow productivity in work environments*
- Slow productivity versus productivity aspects importance in discussions.
- Expressing frustration about work-life balance and the pressure for constant productivity is a vital initial step.
- Embracing the slow productivity concept helps address the conflict between work and personal life.
01:06:02 🗣️ *Setting up slow productivity groups*
- Establishing slow productivity discussion groups at workplaces.
- Providing guidance for running and structuring such groups effectively.
- Steps recommended for starting and maintaining a slow productivity group.
01:07:14 🥤 *Advertisement: Element - Electrolyte Drink Mix*
- Element, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix, recommended for hydration and health.
- Its various uses for different lifestyles and fitness regimens.
- Instructions for acquiring a free sample pack.
01:10:43 📖 *Book Reviews: December 2023 Reads*
- Review of "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, focusing on its influence on environmental thinking and intentional living.
- "Pandora's Box" by Peter Biskind: A historical account of the evolution of streaming media and prestige TV.
- "Where the Deer and the Antelope Play" by Nick Offerman: An uneven book blending storytelling with political commentary.
- Scholarship on Biblical texts: Richard Elliot Freedman's "Who Wrote the Bible" and "The Exodus," exploring complex biblical textual criticism and historical context.
Made with HARPA AI
GPT on crack
It's great to hear that you are studying films. I am a film student / teacher. Just wanted to mention a great book on this subject "Film Art: An Introduction" by David Bordwell.
Btw, I am rereading "So Good They Can't Ignore You" and "Deep Work". I think these books should be compulsory reading for all school and college students.
Thank you.
math sum, really imaginative Cal!
("Limit determinant of your productivity", "mental model", "complexity of what you have mastered") I love how you use STEM terms in regular language!
Many thanks Cal 🎉
I've been playing darts for 4 years and have played for 1100+ hours. I have improved but not by much. Pro level is 90+ average. A good pub level player is 60. I started at about 30-35 and have peaked at 50 recently but have dippes in recent weeks back to a 40.
My point is these should be the years i make the biggest strides in ability. Quickly moving on from crawling to walking to running. I still feel like I'm crawling... I track my time. I practice things I'm not good at. I play matches against real people to raise the stakes. I analyse and plan. I still suck.
I'm disheartened and disappointed. I firmly believe as a human I can achieve what other humans have proven is possible. Yet every day I see evidence that that is not true for me.
What do you think the root of the issue from your instincts?
@@rollingon6358 I'm not sure exactly but my best guess would be playing from a position of comfort for too much. Often I'd get into the rhythm of just throwing without purpose or much challenge - just throwing at the treble 20 because it's fun. While I do play against people in a league, it's all at home so it's easy for the brain to slip into comfort mode again, even though I've seen the biggest improvements during those matches. Keeping the throw straight is a constant nightmare for me as well. If I could consistently keep all 3 darts straight in the 20 segment, I'd be performing a lot better but there are so many 5s and 1s that it crippled my game. It's like I'm playing with 2 darts and not 3 sometimes.
Mate darts is extremely hard, I bet If you spent that doing something else you be good. Try practicing without a board in your mind as well. That what some golfers do. 😊
Yes to movie recommendations!
This is the best thing i heard thank you everything you are speaking is so clear it shows v how you mastered the principals and pushed forward to be exceptional at it down to the little details and habits
What if what I do well professionally bleeds over into what I pursue and do well personally? I struggle with this sometimes as the boundaries aren’t so clear, which creates a lack of focus. Do you have anything thoughts on sharing the same mastery both professionally and personally?
Cal reminds me of Jason Bateman
He reminds me of a young Kurt Russell
Happy New Year! 🎉 I absolutely love this channel and podcasts.
Best podcasts Cal
Loved it
I'm a bit curious. Why hard skills when everyone's saying it's the soft skills we need to work on? They are a lot more difficult to manage and learn but are crutial for overall improvement, personal and career wise.
I think he is using the word "hard" to mean difficult or complex, and he uses technical skill examples because of his scientific background and subject interest areas. You can substitute soft skills by typing in particular interests (ie making small talk) into the search engine and find many very useful videos and podcasts on the subject. I recently went on an etiquette video blitz to see if I already knew it all, and to my chagrin, I learned a lot I didn't know about etiquette.
Hard skills is learning the technical aspects of a thing which is important. Soft skills is more to do with social interaction. Everyone is talking about soft skills now because career wise many people have the hard skills to do a thing but can’t articulate it to others or communicate well in a group environment.
Great video again Cal! I wish a succesful year 2024 for everyone!
Thank you Sir. i will let you know when i master the hard skill in front of me with this deep system
Careful deliberate acts of practice...what is the next step up the ladder i can take? Careful expert guidance.
Thank you
I try to apply what I learn from your tribe ( you and your peers) but it does not work. I am a senior engineer who is running a start up, with many responsibilities. I wish that a female version of "Cal Newport" would teach us how to achieve all together:) responsibilities as a mom, wife, daughter, professional /business, social affairs for family.. but you do job great. thanks for contribution.
Take a look at Laura Vanderkam's books if you haven't heard of them already, or you can also search for the Laura Vanderkam episode Cal did on this channel
Why it doesn't work?
Apparently because Cal doesnt identify as a woman (as far as we know)
I have a feeling you won’t like this answer so I apologize in advance but I think this may be a perspective you haven’t heard before. You are not meant to do it all. We have created this notion that to be a successful woman you must essentially become superhuman. It’s very hard to be an amazing mother and excel at the workplace because of how demanding those two things are. I don’t know which stage at motherhood you’re at but take life slow and enjoy the time you have with your children. There will always be time to accomplish things in your career but children will move out and start lives of their own and you will miss them.
@JA-2 I hope you say the same thing to your male colleagues. Too many men try to ‘have it all’ when their children are too young and need their fathers most. Fathers won’t get those years back, so perhaps it’s best to wait until the children are older and have moved out. Men can have just as much fulfilment through fatherhood and we’ve failed men and fathers as a society by pushing a narrative that they should be able to compete on all fronts. Startups just aren’t the right space for male family figures…causes too much instability to the family unit.
happy new year :)
Very good way to start the year. Thank you for this video. I was wondering where questions can be posted. Is it in the comment section here on UA-cam, or is there a link?
Amazing 👏
awesome, thank you
my main problem is commitment Issues :( 'you can't learn everything' means I have to pick and I don't know what I want and I certainly don't know how to figure it out. 😭
15:50
tHanks
May I know who’s the co-host? What’s his role in the video? I’m curious but also confused about his presence 🤔 is he a technician? A co-host? Or whatever
close tv and cell phone, write plan, get shit done, reajust plan, get more shit done, reajust plan,
be rich healthy fit and have free time. enjoy life. repeat
00:00 The key skill for improving your life in 2024 is learning hard things, whether in work or personal life.
03:30 The common belief that your brain's capacity determines the complexity you can master is wrong.
05:47 The good news is most people can learn things high up on the complexity hierarchy; brainpower differences are less significant than nurture.
06:01 The bad news is you can't learn everything due to the time it takes to master complex things.
07:08 Learning is a step-by-step process represented as stair steps, each level requiring deliberate practice and stretching beyond comfort.
11:25 Progress is achieved by choosing goals and seeking expert help, making small steps toward mastery at each level.
13:33 Cultivating expert knowledge in both professional and personal life is essential for a deep and satisfying life.
15:47 Start working on something complicated and valuable, both professionally and personally, to set a standard for yourself.
17:14 People often think others are smarter because they don't see the long process and effort it took to master complex things.
20:54 Studying and appreciating art in unrelated creative fields can inspire and inject creative energy into your own work.
22:44 Zach Do is an app and website that helps users find, compare, and book highly rated in-network doctors. It allows users to search for providers based on location, insurance, reviews, and new client availability.
23:37 Medical providers and doctors on Zach Do use the platform to handle paperwork ahead of time and send appointment reminders through text messages, making the process more convenient for patients.
24:06 Zach Do is a free app and website that enables users to instantly book appointments with top-rated doctors online, eliminating the need for waiting on hold with a receptionist.
25:00 Better Help is an online therapy platform designed for convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. Users can fill out a brief questionnaire to be matched with a licensed therapist, and they can switch therapists at any time without additional charges.
26:33 Therapy is emphasized as a way to take care of one's mental health, addressing issues such as ruminations, negative thinking, and obstacles in the individual's own brain.
27:29 Note-taking serves different purposes, including short-term task grounding, capturing to-dos throughout the day, and acting as a working memory extender. Three critical types of note-taking are working memory extension, obligation tracking, and capturing key ideas about work and life.
34:55 Balancing multiple hobbies and activities, such as playing the guitar, drawing, and gardening, within a week while maintaining focus on deep life core fundamentals can be achieved by quantitatively scheduling and assessing the feasibility of the proposed schedule.
37:32 The user is advised not to rely solely on productivity tips found on UA-cam, as the incentive structure on the platform may prioritize views and engagement over effective advice. Instead, the user is encouraged to seek advice from books with a proven track record of success in the specific domain, such as "How to Become a Straight-A Student."
43:07 Incentive structures in information sharing platforms matter, and the user is advised to consider sources where the incentive is for the advice to work. Books and podcasts, with their focus on delivering effective advice, are recommended over platforms like UA-cam where algorithms may influence content.
45:49 Slow down the rate at which you learn complex skills, especially if you have other obligations like exams or work. Avoid the temptation to force rapid progress; instead, take a sustainable approach over time.
47:21 Focus on a slow and deliberate learning process for app development. Understand that becoming proficient in a skill involves many small steps, each requiring time and deliberate effort.
48:56 Embrace a slower approach to learning, even if it feels like you're making less progress in the short term. Avoid the burnout that comes with trying to force quick advancements in skills.
49:55 Sustainable progress is achieved through a slower, consistent pace over time. Avoid the temptation of temporary bursts of intense effort that lead to burnout. The key is to take longer, vary your pace, and be patient.
54:43 Slow productivity emerged as a response to the need for a sustainable approach to work, especially in middle age. It aims to reconfigure productivity, allowing individuals to produce meaningful work without the need for constant high intensity.
57:14 Slow productivity is a personal answer to the question of how to continue producing meaningful work in one's 40s while investing time in family and community. It provides a sustainable pace for long-term success and satisfaction.
01:03:34 The slow productivity affinity group at a university is designed to bring together faculty and staff interested in sustainable approaches to work. It addresses frustrations, burnout, work-life balance, and aims to gradually incorporate slow productivity ideas.
01:08:08 Element is a sugar-free electrolyte supplement used by athletes, those fasting, or following specific diets. It's endorsed by various sports organizations and is suitable for post-workout hydration without added sugars or artificial flavors.
01:09:19 Element introduces a new feature called the Element Chocolate Medley, designed for hot drinks in the winter season. By visiting drinklmnt.com deep, users can get a free sample pack with any order, providing a risk-free opportunity to try Element's products.
01:10:43 Cal Newport proceeds to discuss the books he read in December 2023. He covers "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, an essay collection influencing intentional living and minimalism. Newport then reviews "Pandora's Box" by Peter Biskind, detailing the history of Prestige TV from HBO to streaming platforms.
01:13:51 Newport provides a brief review of Nick Offerman's latest book, "Where the Deer and the Antelope Play." He praises Offerman's storytelling skills but criticizes the inclusion of simplistic and cringy political commentary, suggesting readers start with Offerman's first book.
01:17:49 Newport recommends two books by Richard Elliot Freedman: "Who Wrote the Bible" and "The Exodus." He appreciates Freedman's ability to make complex topics like biblical textual criticism accessible and engaging for a broader audience, providing insights into the authorship and historical context of the Bible
non short version for joke
Note for viewers: Google Gemini will summarize this for you if, like me, you don't have 84 minutes to listen it all.
I read ultralearning and atomic habits, but i still dont apply any of the tips, its annoying.
30:00
6:40 This is like output vs input goals right
You remind me of younger Jason Bateman
Uh..Zest..điêu đo tôi cung luôn muôn trê nên co su binh đang va tre trung hon vi du nhu hoi thao.hay cuoi tuon đuoc choi Quân vot..😂❤
Cal, what you mean with RPM in childhood in the beginning of the video?
RPM usually is an acronym for revolutions per minute and I think in this context he’s referring to how fast the brain is working/learning new things
I'm stunned by this content. I encountered something similar, and it was absolutely incredible. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove
We are not alone, God is with us ☦🙏💪
❤🔥🔥❄😍🎉🥂💥🧗♂️✌👩❤👨💪🕊🙏✝HAPPY NEW YEAR ☦🙏💒🌟👨👩👧👦☃🫶🎄🥇⛸🎊🚨🙌
The irony of Cal Newport having clickbait thumbnails 😂
If you need to read the reviews to know if the movie is good or not, your mind has become way too mechanical.
C'mon Calllll, tell us how many movies you watch a week. Don't be embarrassed by it 😂
its my problem to i use youtube for choosing my skills and finding my career.
The guaranteed money stuff is a no argument thing to me because I just don’t see the world where deshaun Watson is gonna get cut man. He was 5-1 as a starter. He’s gonna get paid and deserve every penny of that contract. The guaranteed money stuff is overblown a lot of the time.
I wonder if it makes any sense to even dream about learning hard, complex skills when one is > 50 years. After all, it is probably too late for anything...
Not too late, but certainly more challenging
Never too late! I’m 52 and applying to a PhD program, I feel Cal’s work has inspired me. I’m also inspired by not wanting to wind up old and unhappy by not going for my dreams. My mother talked about going to law school when I was in college, she never did it and I wish she had gone for it, it really would have made her happy. We have to choose to not allow negative thinking into our minds. Catch yourself and refuse to let it ruminate. We can train our minds.
@@notthatJules1Thank you! I plan to become a neurosurgeon in the future, but I've been hearing about how hard it is and how competitive that field is so I get scared a lot. But your words made me realize that I still want to go after that dream, and that I can train my mind to become more resilient in the face of all those doubts and insecurities. Thank you and good luck on your PhD!
@@sacric1de I don't think it is more challenging, it is just more difficult to have any (monetary) return on the investment of time
learning new skills is hard when you have adhd
Can someone explain why i always see the blue shirt?
Try to let better, nobler thoughts enter your brain, so you can progress from your current petty existence and see better days.
No miracle people.
Disagree with system
Better help got busted selling user data
www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/03/ftc-says-online-counseling-service-betterhelp-pushed-people-handing-over-health-information-broke
I'm convinced every UA-cam sponsor is a data mining operation
I really like some of your work and I applied in my personal and professional life, but your approach in the first 10 minutes made me lose interest for this topic. I just love learning. Looking forward to a better video. Thanks!
Cal.I really want to listen the key points.Can you post a shorter video?May be 20-25 mins ?
The best way to eliminate distractions is not to watch UA-cam videos longer than 20 minutes.
И в нашу гавань заходили корабли
The secret no one want you to know!
I'll be the one to tell you this secret!
Good parents = good life.
Bad parents = bad life.
Thua Anh ca nhân tôi đa bi mâc bênh thâm kinh Pa ky son.hon 13 rôi..❤/😂@..!
Man you yake way too long to get to the point
It took you too long to capture my interest. Good bye.
Too distracted to watch 1hr 24min video. I say shortening this down would have helped for the target audience.
That's why it's broken into chapters...
Guy with 162k subs saying “UA-cam” is easy. Very poor take. And no I do not do UA-cam or any media whatsoever.
For the algorithm 🤩🥰💪🫶😁😎👌🥸🤓🥳🫡
I don't think these (maths, music, UA-cam)are Hard skills, for me hard skills are (farming, running grocery stores, sewing etc) learning computer is waste of time
11:30