Ep. 292: Single-Purpose Notebooks

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

On his recent book tour, Cal found great success using a small notebook dedicated to developing a single idea. In this episode, he explores this “single-purpose notebook” strategy, identifying when it makes sense and why it works. He also takes listener questions about his new book, “Slow Productivity,” and reacts to a recent article about TikTok’s stumbles.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [5:02]
- If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [27:07]
- Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [34:59]
- Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [39:21]
- How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [48:12]
- Should I read your new book slowly? [52:44]
- CALL: Does Cal ever stress about work? [55:24]
CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [1:00:31]
SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:08:56]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow

• bramses.notion.site/bramses/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51
• notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/
• anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived
• notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/
• com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1
• newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants

Thanks to our Sponsors:

• mintmobile.com/deep
• policygenius.com/deepquestions
• notion.com/cal
• cozyearth.com (Use promo code “Cal”)

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.