Ep. 55: Shallow Teams, Vague Goals, and Pandemic Screen Time

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about working deeply with shallow teams, taking action on vague goals, and reducing screen time during a pandemic. We also celebrate reaching the million download milestone for this podcast. To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also 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: DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 4 WORK QUESTIONS * Overcoming failure to launch with self-help advice [12:19] * Time blocking unpredictable events. [16:34] * Working with people who are the opposite of deep. [18:60] * Deep work for sales jobs (or managers, or support staff). [26:13] * Juggling multiple big projects. [31:14] * Pursuing vague goals. [33:55] TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS * Distraction withdrawal symptoms. [37:41] * My tech setup. [45:12] * Achieving video-game level concentration. [50:11] * Learning algorithms on your own. [52:34] * Building a brand without social media. [59:17] * My podcast ingestion strategy. [1:01:42] DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS * Digital minimalism and human connection during lockdowns. [1:03:08] * Scheduling free time. [1:13:24] * How to review metrics. [1:16:36] * Overcoming deep work avoidance. [1:17:42] 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.