Ep. 21: Taming Writer's Block, the Exaggerated Importance of a Digital Presence, and the Miseries of Digital Living | DEEP QUESTIONS

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on taming writer's block, the exaggerated importance of digital presence, and the miseries of digital living, among many other topics. I also play some question roulette and give an update on the current status and ambitious future plans for my Deep Work HQ. I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show). Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps: WORK QUESTIONS * Using music to help focus [1:58] * Limits on deep work quantities [3:07] * Teaching a team to value depth [7:36] * Taming writer's block [16:14] * Deciding whether to pursue an MBA [18:58] * Measuring success in academia [21:37] * Taking breaks from time blocking [25:03] QUESTION ROULETTE [28:47] TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS * Thoughts on iPads + Apple pencil as productivity booster [35:52] * Overcoming the paradox of choice with productivity apps [38:17] * YouTube detoxing [43:12] * Organizing academic research [44:59] * The false necessity of building a digital presence [47:19] WHAT I'M UP TO * A closer look at Deep Work HQ [53:08] DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS * Instilling focus in kids [1:02:22] * On the value of my hyper-focused fitness [1:05:55] * Conversing with distracted people [1:12:50] * Managing multiple projects [1:15:44] * Unsolicited Sermon: The miseries of a life lived on screens [1:19:53] Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.