logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
1h 15m

Ep. 270: Depth vs. Distraction

CAL NEWPORT
About this episode

An increasing number of people are suffering from “super distractions” that rise above the level of harmless diversion and instead start to actively hold them back in their life. Some of the common culprits cited include social media, online pornography, and alcohol. In this episode, Cal takes a closer look at what creates super distractions and uses this insight to come up with an effective game plan for fighting back. 

 

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo 

 

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

 

Deep Dive:  Taking control of your life from super distractions [8:09] 

 

- How can I stay productive while in between goals? [36:24] 

- Will I become depressed from a dopamine fast? [40:46] 

- How can I overcome negative thoughts? [44:01] 

- Are there rituals to help me handle shallow work more efficiently? [50:19] 

 

CASE STUDY: Success with an electronic detox [58:27] 

 

Cal Reacts: NPR left Twitter and the effects are negligible [1:06:59] 

 

Links: 

 

niemanreports.org/articles/npr-twitter-musk/ 

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 

mintmobile.com/deep 

cozyearth.com 

blinkist.com/deep 

ladderlife.com/deep 

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Up next
Jun 30
Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?
A blockbuster new study out of MIT takes a closer look at the impact of writing with the help of AI. In today’s episode, Cal breaks down this paper with the help of author Brad Stulberg (who made waves online recently with his reaction to its findings), picking apart the role of ... Show More
1h 48m
Jun 23
Ep. 358: Are Parents (Finally) Ready to Fight Smartphones?
Back in 2023, Cal gave a detailed deep dive that described the three phases of scientific understanding of smartphones, social media, and kids. In today’s episode, Cal argues that we’ve entered a fourth phase; one that will finally lead to (perhaps rapid) cultural changes about w ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 16
Ep. 357: What Worries the Internet’s Favorite Philosopher?
Few philosophers in recent memory have enjoyed as much attention as Byung-Chul Han. His mix of profundity and pithiness in tackling some of the big issues of the modern technical environment has made him “the internet’s new favorite philosopher” (to quote The New Yorker). But is ... Show More
1h 12m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2022
Take a Breath, and DO THIS to SELF SOOTHE in SECONDS When Something Upsets You
On Today's Episode: What is one of the best tools a person can have to deal with insults and anxiety that is underestimated and rarely given the respect it deserves? Hopefully you said self soothing. If you didn’t, it’s cool because you are in the right place. I’m answering 6 que ... Show More
34m 50s
Jul 2022
10 Ways to Beat Your Distractions, Increase Productivity, and Enjoy the Process!
What’s your biggest distraction? Is it over-thinking the most insignificant things at the worst times? Or is it more external, like social media, constant phone notifications, or what others are doing and saying? Distraction has been said to be the enemy of vision, the enemy of d ... Show More
44m 34s
Nov 2022
How To Become 50.2 Times BETTER At Anything! - Try It & See INCREDIBLE RESULTS | Tom Bilyeu
On Today's Episode: Running into another roadblock and another obstacle shouldn’t come as a surprise. As you cycle through all of the reasons (a.k.a. excuses) you have for not making a change again today, doesn’t get you off the hook either. The changes you want to make in your l ... Show More
1h 39m
Sep 2023
How To Break Through Self Sabotage | Tom Bilyeu AMA (Replay)
[Original Air Date: Jan 23, 2019] Tom answers questions from the community.  SHOWNOTES:How to change your mindset and breakthrough self sabotage to accomplish your goals [1:17]Why Tom only needs to believe he’s the “average” to be great [3:30]Why you should not worry about being ... Show More
45 m
Sep 2023
This Neuroscientist Shows You the Secrets to Obtaining A Growth Mindset | Andrew Huberman (Replay)
[Original air date: November 12, 2020]. On this episode of Health Theory with Tom Bilyeu, recognized neuroscientist Andrew Huberman details the science behind successful strategies for life change. SHOW NOTES:Ultimately our thoughts are a choice [1:13]The brain creates an abstrac ... Show More
55m 56s
Oct 2022
Push Through LIMITATIONS At Any AGE and Get Sh*t Done | Tom Bilyeu
On Today's Episode: If you’re being haunted by an internal desire pulling you to want more. If you’re totally frustrated and feeling like it's too late or too hard to redefine your life and reinvent yourself, whether because of your age or past circumstances, this is for you. So ... Show More
30m 42s
Nov 2022
Stop SABOTAGING Yourself and Get UNSTUCK By Doing These 5 Tricks | Tom Bilyeu
On Today's Episode: How many times have you planned out the perfect day? You start thinking about all the things you can accomplish in the next week, you get super pumped and when the time comes, nothing happens. After possible hours of being side tracked, unmotivated and distrac ... Show More
23m 43s
Dec 2022
"You Will Never Lack WILLPOWER Again After LISTENING TO THIS!" | Tom Bilyeu
How many times have you wondered what will it actually take for you to have the unrelenting willpower you need to have a killer day, to have an epic week, or have a mind-blowing year?Could Tom’s secrets to success get you there? Possibly, but only if you listen then jump into act ... Show More
1h 57m
Aug 2022
Create MOMENTUM, Take the First Step and EXECUTE on YOUR DREAMS with These EFFICIENCY HACKS
On Today's Episode: It doesn’t matter who you are, what your profession or industry may be, a common plight that is familiar to all of us is how to get started. Everyone struggles with getting started at some point. When you step into doing something new or tackle big goals and t ... Show More
39m 36s
Apr 2022
If You Feel LOST, LAZY & UNMOTIVATED In Life, WATCH THIS! | David Goggins
When it comes to mental toughness, discipline, and being hardcore like no other, very few people can stand with absolute confidence. By now, you’ve realized how hard life is. Maybe your future didn’t work out the way you and your family expected. Maybe you’re convinced the world ... Show More
1h 38m