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

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.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices