Ep. 97: Should I Outsource My Inbox?

May 17, 2021

Explore how to foster a deeper work environment and battle meeting overload. Discover the benefits of outsourcing your email management with an assistant. Dive into strategies for minimizing distractions during work. Get insight into how indie authors can effectively use social media. Plus, hear thoughts on future writing projects and the enduring value of insights from legendary thinkers like Heschel and Postman. Tune in for practical tips to enhance both professional and personal life!

01:03:03

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Deep Work Rituals

Use rituals and a scheduling philosophy for deep work.
Make rituals disruptive and over-the-top to induce a deep work mindset.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Effective Assistant Use

Assistants can't solve workplace chaos; structure must come first.
Structure your work, then use assistants to support intentional processes.

insights

INSIGHT

Book Sales Dynamics

Book sales depend on a two-phase process: seeding and spreading.
Spreading, driven by book quality, outweighs seeding efforts.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Harnessing Ideas: The Power of Books and Efficient Learning

04:03 • 2min

chevron_right

Strategies to Combat Hyperactive Workflows and Enhance Productivity

06:16 • 21min

chevron_right

Navigating Book Marketing Phases

27:21 • 16min

chevron_right

Exploring the Deep Life

43:06 • 20min

chevron_right

#82

• Mentioned in 197 episodes

A World Without Email

Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload

Cal Newport

In 'A World Without Email', Cal Newport argues that the constant digital communication, which he terms the 'hyperactive hive mind', has become a productivity disaster. He contends that this workflow, driven by email and other messaging tools, reduces profitability, slows economic growth, and makes workers miserable. Newport proposes a workplace where clear processes, not haphazard messaging, define task management. He advocates for each person working on fewer tasks but doing them better, with significant investment in support to reduce administrative burdens. The book lays out principles and concrete instructions for streamlining important communication and reducing the central role of inboxes and chat channels in the workplace.

• Mentioned in 499 episodes

Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

#12812

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

God in Search of Man

Abraham Joshua Heschel

In *God in Search of Man*, Heschel articulates a belief in a personal God who sees humankind as partners in creation, forging a world filled with justice and compassion. The book discusses the nature of religious thought, faith, and the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the idea that God is in search of man. It is a companion volume to *Man Is Not Alone*, focusing on Jewish revelation and orthopraxis.

#135

• Mentioned in 145 episodes

Amusing Ourselves to Death

Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business

Neil Postman

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

#48

• Mentioned in 254 episodes

So Good They Can't Ignore You

Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love

Cal Newport

In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that following one's passion is the key to career happiness. Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love. Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big. He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

- How can I get others to accept a deeper work environment? [6:16]
- How can I escape meeting overload? [10:12]
- How can I ready myself for a deep work sessions? [18:00]
- Should I hire an assistant to help me with my emails? [22:14]
- How should indie authors use social media? [27:10]
- How do I stop being so distracted at work? [35:11]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- What is my (Cal) next book going to be about? [42:26]
- How do I preserve energy for home projects? [44:43]
- What do you (Cal) find valuable in the work of Abraham Joshua Heschel? [50:02]
- What is my (Cal) favorite Neil Postman book? [53:06]
- Can I write a novel if I'm a full-time computer programmer? [56:20]
- Nina how do you choose what to work deeply on? [58:56]

Thanks to 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.

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books