EPISODE · Dec 29, 2025 · 1H 11M
Ep 385: Single-Purpose Notebooks (REPLAY)
from Deep Questions with Cal Newport · host Cal Newport
In this replay of a classic episode from March 2024, Cal discusses his transformative experience using a small analog notebook to tackle a complicated problem in his life. He makes the broader argument that sometimes simple analog tools can far exceed the utility of their digital counterparts. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [1:21] - If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [21:58] - Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [29:54] - Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [34:18] - How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [43:08] - Should I read your new book slowly? [47:40] - CALL: Struggling writer obsessing over quality [53:10] CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [58:14] SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:01:39] 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/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/ https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived https://www.notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/ https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1 https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Thanks to our Sponsors: monarch.com/deep1password.com/deepmakeheadway.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
In this replay of a classic episode from March 2024, Cal discusses his transformative experience using a small analog notebook to tackle a complicated problem in his life. He makes the broader argument that sometimes simple analog tools can far exceed the utility of their digital counterparts. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [1:21] - If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [21:58] - Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [29:54] - Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [34:18] - How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [43:08] - Should I read your new book slowly? [47:40] - CALL: Struggling writer obsessing over quality [53:10] CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [58:14] SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:01:39] 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/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/ https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived https://www.notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/ https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1 https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Thanks to our Sponsors: monarch.com/deep1password.com/deepmakeheadway.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Ep 385: Single-Purpose Notebooks (REPLAY)
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