Ignore Optimization Theater

Brad Stulberg critiques obsessive self-optimization and argues that real discipline means focusing on the main work instead of endless hacks.

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Episode notes

Is developing discipline one of the most effective bulwarks against the constant flood of distraction we face daily? And if so, what’s the best way to accomplish this goal? In this Monday Advice episode of the show, Cal Newport investigates these questions with the help of Brad Stulberg, who writes about these ideas in his most recent book, the New York Times bestseller “The Way of Excellence.”

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

2:27 Do I Need More Discipline? (w/ Brad Stulberg)

1:07:33 Dealing with abundance of choice in media

1:11:45 Using typewriters for first drafts

1:14:44 Success with “information walkabout”

1:17:22 What I’ve been doing

1:19:54 What I’ve been reading

Books:

A World Appears (Michael Pollan)

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow

Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/