Writing Strengthens Thought Production

Cal Newport explains why writing feels hard, why that strain is valuable, and how journaling, technique study, and the ten-minute rule build cognitive strength.

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Episode notes

In his recent New York Times essay, Cal argued for a “cognitive fitness” revolution to resist the onslaught of digital tools degrading our ability to think. But how does one actually strengthen their brain? In this episode, Cal details a sustainable cognitive fitness routine built around five key components.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to podcast@calnewport.com.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

2:25 DEEP DIVE: How Do I Build “Cognitive Fitness”? | Monday Advice

INBOX:

30:51 Message from a social media influencer

33:02 Reaction to Amy Timberlake interview

38:01 Putting Cal’s advice into practice

WHAT CAL IS UP TO:

41:20 What I read

43:45 What I’m doing

Books:

The Noonday Devil (by Jean-Charles Nault: translated from original French)

Links: