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

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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.
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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.